Nonlinear Deformation of Ferroelectric Ceramics

Abstract

Ferroelectric ceramics used in advanced actuator systems may be subject to high stresses and large deformations that may lead to nonlinearity and performance degradation. A preliminary experimental investigation has been undertaken to study the relevant mechanical responses. For this purpose, polarization and strain are measured continuously on a compression cuboid. Severe nonlinear and hysteretic behavior is observed in several cases. An attempt has been made to establish constitutive laws, applicable to this nonlinear deformation, which may be used for design purposes.