Abstract
Small crack growth behavior at edge of partial electrode in poled lead zirconate titanate was investigated under cyclic electric loading. The crack grew along the electrode boundary immediately after the loading. However, the propagation rate decreased suddenly and the crack arrested. The length of the non-propagating crack was affected by amplitude and bias levels of the electric loading. In the case of high-amplitude loading or negative biased loading, the crack propagating rate varied considerably because of domain switching. The testing environments also affect the crack propagating behavior. The higher temperature increased propagating rates. Finite element analysis of a three-dimensional permeable crack showed that the mode III stress intensity factor range is independent of crack length, but it decreases as a result of the frictional force of a positive electric field.
