Finite element analysis of electric fracture properties in modified small punch testing of piezoceramic plates

摘要

The fracture behavior of a piezoelectric ceramic under applied electric fields has been the subject of recent studies. We have used finite element analysis to study experiments with the modified small punch (MSP) technique. Nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis was employed to calculate the MSP energy and maximum strain energy density. The effects of an applied electric field, 180° and 90° domain switching on the MSP energy, and maximum strain energy density are discussed, and the model predictions are compared with the results of the experiments. The polarization switching zones corresponding to combined mechanical and electrical loads are also obtained.