Equilibrium theory for magnetic elastomers and magnetoelastic membranes

A theory for the equilibrium response of magnetoelastic membranes under pressure and applied magnetic fields is formulated on the basis of three-dimensional magnetoelasticity. A variational principle admitted by the three-dimensional theory is used to generate a model for membranes regarded as thin three-dimensional bodies. Minimum energy considerations in the presence of applied magnetic fields are used to motivate a direct theory of magnetoelastic membranes which does not require information about bulk properties. The theory is applicable to conventional elastomers magnetized through infusion with uniformly dispersed ferrous particles.