Multiple parallel cracks interaction problem inpiezoelectric ceramics

Abstract

This paper has two goals. First, we propose the pseudo-traction–electric displacementmethod for solving the interaction problem of multiple parallel cracks in transversely isotropicpiezoelectric ceramics. Second, we present a fundamental understanding for the role that theelectric displacement loading plays in the interaction problem. Detailed comparisons between theresults under the compound mechanical–electric loading conditions and those derived underpurely mechanical loading conditions are performed. It is shown that the mechanical fractureparameters such as the stress intensity factors are no longer independent of the electric loading asthey would be in single crack problems. Quite contrary, the electric displacement loading has asignificant influence on the stress intensity factors, the total potential energy release rate and themechanical strain energy release rate. This important conclusion is mainly due to the interactioneffect, i.e., one of the multiple cracks releases the stresses and disturbs the electric fields near theother crack. It is also found that there are some special relative locations for the multiple parallelcracks at which the electric displacement loading has no effect on the Mode I stress intensityfactor. However, the mechanical strain energy release rate has no such a property.