FRACTURE AND FATIGUE OF FERROELECTRICS UNDER ELECTRIC AND MECHANICAL LOADING

Abstract

A switch in the domain polarization direction near the tip of a flaw plays an important role in the fracture and fatigue of ferroelectrics under electric and mechanical loading. The present paper adopts a small‐scale switching model with the domain switch based on the combined electric and mechanical work increment. The model is capable of explaining electric fracture, fracture toughness anisotropy and electric fatigue.