Effects of Electric Field and Poling on the Mode I Energy Release Rate for Two Symmetric Edge Cracks in Rectangular Piezoelectric Ceramic Strips

Abstract

This article discusses the results of the mode I energy release rate of rectangular piezoelectric ceramic strips with two symmetric edge cracks under electromechanical loading. Cracks were created normal or parallel to the poling direction, and applied electric fields were parallel/antiparallel to the poling. A nonlinear plane strain finite element analysis was performed, and the effect of localized polarization switching on the energy release rate was discussed for the permeable, impermeable, open and discharging cracks under a high negative electric field. In the case under a high positive electric field, we examined the effect of dielectric breakdown on the energy release rate.