In this paper a non-linear framework is developed of the dynamic behav
ior of a system with distributed electrostrictive coupling. A framewor
k for the derivation of the governing equations is presented which is
sufficiently general to model the dynamics of a broad range of non-lin
ear systems. The constitutive relations for electrostrictors are devel
oped in terms of the standard quadratic function and the hyperbolic ta
ngent squared function of the applied electric field. Non-linear coupl
ed equations of motion are derived by introducing the constitutive rel
ations into Hamilton's Principle. Approximate system equations are der
ived using the assumed mode method. Experimental validation of the equ
ations is accomplished by examining the static and dynamic response of
a cantilevered beam actuated with a distributed electrostrictive actu
ator. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.