Fracture analysis of piezoelectric materials with defects using energy density theory. (Q5955228)

The paper is devoted to an extension of a failure criterion based on the strain energy density theory for an elliptical cavity or a line crack embedded in an infinite transversely isotropic piezoelectric solid subjected to a combined in-plane electrical and mechanical loading. First, in order to study the electromechanical interaction explicitly, the three-dimensional model is reduced to a two-dimensional one. Then, by adopting the approach and assumpion of exact electric boundary conditions employed by \textit{H. Sosa} and \textit{N. Khutoryansky} [Int. J. Solids Struct. 33, 3399--3414 (1996; Zbl 0924.73198)], the field solutions are reduced to the obtainment of distinct complex parameters from the characteristic equation, and three complex potentials are linked to the boundary conditions. Further, a surface layer criterion proposed by \textit{G. C. Sih} [Mech. Fracture 1, XXI--XLV (1973; Zbl 0319.73053)] is used to locate the position where the fracture of the elliptic cavity is expected to initiate. The strain energy density criterion is employed to predict the trajectory of crack propagation at the interior points near the surface. The total energy density factor obtained predicts the critical loads for fracture and the direction of crack propagation. Its minimum value is related to dilatation of material elements and is associated with the creation of a free surface, since the fracture is expected along the line of crack extension. The numerical results are obtained for piezoelectric material PZT-4. It is shown that a positive electric field enhances crack growth while a negative one impedes crack growth, in agreement with experimental data. Moreover, the critical fracture loads are under-estimated by the assumption of impermeable crack, and are over-estimated when the crack is assumed to be permeable for the applied positive electric field. At the same time, the fracture loads are overestimated by the assumption of impermeable crack, and are under-estimated when the crack is assumed to be permiable for the applied negative electric field.