Electric‐Field‐Induced Fatigue Crack Growth in Piezoelectrics

Abstract

When subjected to large alternating electric fields, ferroelectric ceramics may experience cracking and mechanical degradation. This article describes an experimental procedure for characterizing crack extension from preexisting flaws in such materials subject to high‐amplitude, alternating electric fields. A new mode of electric‐field‐induced fatigue crack growth is identified. Fracture mechanics concepts are applied to interpret the observed cracking.