Large deformations in soft materials have the potential to initiate and propagate cracks [1]. Soft dielectric electro-active elastomers (DEAP) respond to electric stimuli by undergoing large deformations and changes in the material properties. Here, the response of DEAPs to an applied electric field can modulate the fracture performance of such materials. Drawing on a combination of experiments and theory, we investigate the fracture behavior of ultra-soft dielectric elastomers [2]. The application of compliant electrodes on the sides of thin elastomeric samples enables the stimulation with a high voltage during tensile deformation. Furthermore, we conceptualize a fracture phase-field model that integrates the physics. The results reveal that the electro-mechanical triaxiality stress state induces crack tip blunting, stress de-concentration, and eventually delay crack propagation. Next, we report on our latest advances in configurational mechanics, i.e., a theoretical framework for quantifying the tendency of defects to alter the material configuration. When applied to fracture mechanics, configurational forces can be used to quantify the propensity of cracks to propagate. "What can the configurational force method tell about the J-integral?" This question has been fundamental in prior works. In this context, we are highly interested in the application of configurational mechanics to soft materials. Here, the previous question can be extended: "Can the configurational force method be applied to soft materials to calculate J at large deformations?" and most important, "are the results trustworthy?" By integrating advanced computational and experimental techniques, we aim at paving the way for future applications where the configurational force method can be used in a standalone manner to assess fracture in soft materials [3]. REFERENCES: [1] M.A. Moreno-Mateos, M. Hossain, P. Steinmann, and D. Garcia-Gonzalez, Hard magnetics in ultrasoft magnetorheological elastomers enhance fracture toughness and delay crack propagation. J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 173 p. 105232, 2023. [2] M.A. Moreno-Mateos, M. Mehnert, P. Steinmann, Electro-mechanical actuation modulates fracture performance of soft dielectric elastomers. Int. J. Eng. Sci., 195 p. 104008, 2024. [3] M.A. Moreno-Mateos, P. Steinmann, Configurational force method enables fracture assessment in soft materials. Under review in J. Mech. Phys. Solids.