Non-uniform Strain Research Articles

The study on non-uniform strain failure of YBa2Cu3O7−δ coated conductors with high critical current

The study on non-uniform strain failure of YBa₂Cu₃O7−δ coated conductors with high critical current

Ultrahigh-Density Polar Vortex Lattice in Square-Shaped Moiré Bilayers of Lead Chalcogenides.

Nanoscale exotic polar topological structures, such as vortices and skyrmions, hold promise for next-generation electronic devices, yet their spontaneous formation in 2D van der Waals (vdW) materials remains quite challenging. Herein, we demonstrate from first-principles that ultrahigh-density polar vortices emerge in the square moiré bilayer formed by twisting two layers of centrosymmetric PbS with the D4h point group. The emerged ferroelectricity arises from the inherent complex strain associated with the twisted structures, and the resulting electron polarization is much greater than that obtained in sliding ferroelectricity. Notably, the engineered strain patterns are characterized by peculiar inhomogeneous in-plane fields with a checkerboard distribution of uniaxial tension. This nanoscale nonuniform strain produces an ultrahigh-density vortex polarization lattice. The results from our study not only reveals a new mechanism for electric polarization and polar topologies in moiré bilayers but also provides opportunities for designing 2D ultrahigh-density electric devices.

Bond performance and damage assessment of self-sensing steel–fiber composite bar with geopolymer concrete

This study employed a novel steel–fiber composite bar (SFCB) enhanced with Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors (DOFS) technology to reveal the local bonding and damage mechanisms between composite reinforcement and seawater sea sand geopolymer concrete. By embedding DOFS within the steel core of the SFCB reinforcement, the local bond stress between the reinforcement and geopolymer concrete was monitored. The continuous measurement provided by DOFS revealed a non-uniform strain distribution along the length of the SFCB reinforcement and an uneven distribution of bond stress within the bonded section. Based on test results, a modified bond–slip model was utilized to predict the bond–slip relationship between the SFCB reinforcement and the geopolymer concrete, taking into account the influence of surface treatment on the descending branch of the bond–slip curve. Additionally, a damage model was employed to evaluate the extent of damage at the bond interface between the SFCB reinforcement and the geopolymer concrete under different load levels. Finally, the modified bond–slip model was also used to propose the anchorage length for SFCB reinforcements, which was compared with ACI, CSA, and JSCE codes.

Investigation of the influence of non-uniform strain zone on the crack propagation of PMMA material based on 2D-DIC

Hole defects can lead to non-uniform strain distribution under the impact load, thereby influencing crack propagation behavior. In this paper, 2D-DIC technology was employed to examine the effects of holes of varying sizes and loading rates on crack dynamics in PMMA materials, aiming to elucidate detailed knowledge into the characteristics of crack propagation under complex strain fields. Through DIC analyses, the dynamic evolution of strain fields around the crack tip and hole periphery could be precisely captured, enabling tracking of crack propagation behavior including crack propagation velocity, crack propagation path, and crack deflection angle. It is concluded that the non-uniform strain zones generated by holes exert both inhibitory and attracting effects on crack growth. The influence of non-uniform strain zones on crack propagation increases with the elevation of loading rate and hole size. However, as the loading rate increases, the kinetic energy of the crack itself also increases, necessitating sufficiently large hole sizes to effectively influence crack propagation. Overall, this study provides a detailed experimental explanation of the effects of holes on cracks, which will aid engineers in maximizing the positive impact of holes on material performance and their application in the design of microstructure materials.

Experimental study of type-I crack propagation in rock monitored by fiber Bragg grating

The occurrence of rock mass engineering disasters can be reduced significantly by obtaining the key information in the process of rock internal fracture accumulation and evolution through advanced monitoring means and taking certain preventive measures. Through fiber Bragg grating monitoring tests of the type-I crack propagation in rock, the spectral characteristics of the fiber Bragg grating in the process of rock failure were analyzed, the bandwidth expansion was extracted to characterize the local tensile strain during the crack propagation process, and the damage variable based on the bandwidth expansion was calculated to describe the type-I crack propagation process. The research results showed the following: (1) The fiber Bragg grating generated a non-uniform local tensile strain during type-I crack propagation. The bandwidth expansion of the wave spectrum was positively correlated with the local tensile strain. The change in the characteristics of the wave spectrum could provide the local real strain in the process of crack propagation. (2) During the steady propagation of the type-I crack, the bandwidth increased obviously, while the number of acoustic emission events was relatively small, and most of them were in the process zone. The gentle increase in the bandwidth corresponded to the unstable growth stage of the type-I crack, which could be used as a precursor of rock sample instability. During loading, the maximum tensile strain of the type-I crack was 6 %, while the maximum shear strain reached 1.8 %, primarily attributed to tensile failure. The average value of fracture toughness KIC, based on the equivalent linear elastic fracture mechanics model, was determined to be 1.21 MPa·m1/2, and the average value of fracture energy Gf was calculated as 57.7 N/m. The variation of peak reflectivity in fiber Bragg grating was associated with the closure of pre-existing defects and the propagation of microcracks in rocks, resulting in unstable shear strain at crack extension sites. (3) The damage variable D defined by the bandwidth broadening began to become concentrated and accumulated in the crack steady growth stage, and it increased slowly in the crack intensification and evolution stage. The grating was sensitive to changes when it was pasted to the surface at 90°, but it could easily fracture or become unable to capture spectral signals in time. Based on a comprehensive comparison, the monitoring effect was the best when the grating was pasted at 60° relative to the crack.

Linear strain gradient-regulated bifurcation of circular bilayer plates

Bilayer structures with controllable self-folding capability have found applications in a variety of cutting-edge fields such as flexible electrics, wearable devices and soft robotics. The folding of bilayer structures occurs when the mismatch strain between the two layers exceeds the bifurcation threshold, resulting in a deformation transition from an axisymmetric to a folded state. Previous efforts have predominantly focused on bilayer structures with uniform and/or anisotropic strain distributions. However, the role of non-uniform in-plane strain distributions in regulating the bifurcation of bilayer structures has not been fully understood. In this study, the effects of linear in-plane strain gradients on the bifurcation of circular bilayer plates, both with and without geometric mismatch, are systematically investigated by combining theoretical analysis, finite element simulations and experiments. Our results reveal that both the mismatch strain gradient and the geometric mismatch between the two layers play crucial roles in regulating bifurcation. Notably, linear mismatch strain gradients with larger strain at the center delay bifurcation, while those with larger strain along the edge promote bifurcation. This work offers new insights into the design of controllable self-folding bilayer structures, which is of great significance for advanced applications.

Efficient Catalytic Production of Reactive Oxygen Species through Piezoelectricity in Bismuth Sulfide Rich in Sulfur Vacancies.

Sulfur (S) vacancies in metal sulfides are of interest in electrocatalysis and photoelectronics, but their effect on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during mechanical catalysis is unclear. This study investigates the impact of S-vacancies in defective bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3-x) on ROS production under ultrasonic irradiation and organic contaminant decomposition. S-vacancies disrupt the centrosymmetric structure of intrinsic Bi2S3, inducing piezoelectric effects and enhancing the electrical energy in Bi2S3-x. The positively charged S-vacancies in Bi2S3-x promote the separation of ultrasound-activated electron-hole pairs by capturing electrons. As a result, the optimal rate of H2O2 formation and the reaction rate constant for degrading Rhodamine B dye on Bi2S3-x are found to be 1.9 and 37 times higher, respectively, than those on Bi2S3 under ultrasonic irradiation. The nonzero catalytic efficiency in centrosymmetric Bi2S3 is due to the flexoelectric catalytic effect from nonuniform strain. These results guide the piezocatalyst design and elucidate mechanical catalysis mechanisms.

Strongly Enhanced Electronic Bandstructure Renormalization by Light in Nanoscale Strained Regions of Monolayer MoS2/Au(111) Heterostructures.

Understanding and controlling the photoexcited quasiparticle (QP) dynamics in monolayer (ML) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) lays the foundation for exploring the strongly interacting, nonequilibrium two-dimensional (2D) QP and polaritonic states in these quantum materials and for harnessing the properties emerging from these states for optoelectronic applications. In this study, scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/scanning tunneling spectroscopy) with light illumination at the tunneling junction is performed to investigate the QP dynamics in ML MoS2 on an Au(111) substrate with nanoscale corrugations. The corrugations on the surface of the substrate induce nanoscale local strain in the overlaying ML MoS2 single crystal, which result in energetically favorable spatial regions where photoexcited QPs, including excitons, trions, and electron-hole plasmas, accumulate. These strained regions exhibit pronounced electronic bandstructure renormalization as a function of the photoexcitation wavelength and intensity as well as the strain gradient, implying strong interplay among nanoscale structures, strain, and photoexcited QPs. In conjunction with the experimental work, we construct a theoretical framework that integrates nonuniform nanoscale strain into the electronic bandstructure of a ML MoS2 lattice using a tight-binding approach combined with first-principle calculations. This methodology enables better understanding of the experimental observation of photoexcited QP localization in the nanoscale strain-modulated electronic bandstructure landscape. Our findings illustrate the feasibility of utilizing nanoscale architectures and optical excitations to manipulate the local electronic bandstructure of ML TMDs and to enhance the many-body interactions of excitons, which is promising for the development of nanoscale energy-adjustable optoelectronic and photonic technologies, including quantum emitters and solid-state quantum simulators for interacting exciton polaritons based on engineered periodic nanoscale trapping potentials.

Crack tip stress intensification in strain-induced crystallized elastomer

Natural rubber (NR) exhibits strain-induced crystallization (SIC), enhancing tearing strength and crack resistance. However, the reinforcement mechanism along with nonuniform strain around a crack tip remains unclear. We reveal the nonuniform stress field around a crack tip using the DIC-based deformation field data and a hyperelasticity approach. A hyperelastic strain energy density function (W) is derived to be able to replicate stress-strain data across various deformations, encompassing equal and unequal biaxial, uniaxial, and pure shear stretching. These data cover the full range and magnitude of deformations around the crack tip. SIC significantly impacts the singular behaviors of strain and stress near the crack tip, causing a pronounced stress increase and strain decrease within the SIC zone that extends up to approximately 100 μm away from the crack tip. This results in a distinct crossover in singularity power-law index between the SIC zone and the fully amorphous zone. With increasing crack opening, the stress upturn intensifies, and the crossover shifts away from the crack tip due to SIC zone enlargement and local crystallinity increase. These findings deepen our understanding of the physics of SIC near crack tips and its reinforcement mechanism in strain-induced crystallizable soft solid materials.

Topological DNA blends exhibit resonant deformation fields and strain propagation dynamics tuned by steric constraints

Understanding how polymers deform in response to local stresses and strains, and how strains propagate from a local disturbance, are grand challenges in wide-ranging fields from materials manufacturing to cell mechanics. These dynamics are particularly complex for blends of polymers of distinct topologies, for which several different species-dependent mechanisms may contribute. Here, we use OpTiDDM (Optical Tweezers integrating Differential Dynamic Microscopy) to elucidate deformation fields and propagation dynamics of binary blends of linear, ring and supercoiled DNA of varying sizes. We reveal robust non-monotonic dependence of strain alignment and superdiffusive transport with strain rate. However, peak alignment and superdiffusivity are surprisingly decoupled, occurring at different strain rates resonant with the distinct relaxation rates of the different topologies. Despite this universal resonance, we find that strain propagation of ring-linear blends is dictated by entanglements while supercoiled-ring blends are governed by Rouse dynamics. Our results capture critical subtleties in propagation and deformation dynamics of topological blends, shedding new light on the governing physics and offering a route towards decoupled tuning of response features. We anticipate our approach to be broadly generalizable to mapping the deformation dynamics of polymer blends, with an eye towards bottom-up bespoke materials design. Statement of SignificanceIn biology and in manufacturing, biomaterials are often subject to localized and spatially nonuniform strains and stresses. Yet, understanding the extent to which strains are absorbed, distributed, or propagated across different spatiotemporal scales remains a grand challenge. Here, we combine optical tweezers with differential dynamic microscopy to elucidate deformation fields and propagation dynamics of blends of linear, ring and supercoiled DNA, revealing robust non-monotonic trends and decoupling of strain alignment and superdiffusivity, and capturing critical subtleties in propagation and deformation dynamics. Our results, shedding important new physical insight to guide decoupled tuning of response features, may be leveraged to map the deformation dynamics of wide-ranging systems of biopolymers and other macromolecules, with an eye towards bottom-up bespoke biomaterials design.

Second-order Willis metamaterials: Gradient elasto-momentum coupling in flexoelectric composites

Willis materials are composites whose the overall constitutive relations exhibit coupling between momentum and strain. Recently, piezoelectric Willis materials have been studied, allowing the macroscopic momentum to be additionally coupled to the non-mechanical stimulus. Such metamaterials classified as first-order Willis materials generate cross-couplings due to their asymmetric microstructures in order to realize novel phenomena in wave propagation. In this work, we study Willis materials that are flexoelectric and offer an electric field induced by a strain gradient. We show that in the case of flexoelectric Willis materials, the momentum also gets coupled to the strain gradient term under an effective description. Hereby, an ensemble averaging-based dynamic homogenization theory is developed for flexoelectric composites to compute constitutive relations of the macroscopic fields. This second-order Willis metamaterial offers a novel coupling termed gradient elasto-momentum coupling. The presence of non-uniform strain that can break the inversion symmetry of a unit cell is thus significant in generating the imaginary portion of all cross-couplings in the absence of asymmetric microstructures.

Axial compression performance of concrete-filled steel tubular columns with damaged BFRP jackets

Concrete-filled basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) -steel composite tube (CFBCT) columns have become a highly anticipated composite structure. The lateral confinement provided by BFRP can effectively suppress the possible local buckling of the steel tube, thereby achieving the goal of optimizing axial compression performance. With the widespread application of CFBCT in engineering practice, the BFRP outer layer is likely to be affected by factors such as construction accidents or connection design, resulting in slotting and drilling damage to the BFRP outer layer. Therefore, the mechanical properties of CFBCT subjected to local damage are critical. This article examined the effects of slotting and drilling the BFRP outer layer on the axial compression performance. The non-uniform strain distribution at the damaged site was analyzed using digital image correlation (DIC) testing technology. The results show that the local damage can lead to a decrease in the bearing capacity and ductility. Compared with drilling damage, slotting has a more significant impact on axial behavior. Due to the local damage, the ultimate stress decrease by 8.1 % and 12.4 % respectively. A new computational method was introduced to predict the quantitative impact of local damage on CFBCT.

Probabilistic fatigue life prediction of notched specimens based on modified stress field intensity method under multiaxial loading

In practical engineering components, due to the existence of non-uniform stress and strain field near the notch, it brings severe challenges to fatigue life prediction when evaluating the integrity of notched components. In this study, a probabilistic fatigue life prediction model for notched specimens was established by coupling the stress field intensity (SFI) method and Weibull distribution. Firstly, the position of the dangerous point is determined by finite element calculation, and the maximum strain energy density plane through the dangerous point is defined as the critical plane. Secondly, from the perspective of 2D features, the traditional SFI method is modified based on the stress distribution on the critical plane, and a new concept of effective stress is proposed to predict the fatigue life of notched specimens by the experimental data of smooth specimens. Finally, a new non-proportional additional hardening factor is established to characterize the influence of material properties and loading path on fatigue life. The experimental data of Q345 low alloy steel and GH4169 nickel base alloy are used to compare and analyze the proposed model. The results show that the predicted life of the proposed model is in good agreement with the experimental life.

Visualizing and Controlling of Photogenerated Electron-Hole Pair Separation in Monolayer WS2 Nanobubbles under Piezoelectric Field.

The piezoelectric properties of two-dimensional semiconductor nanobubbles present remarkable potential for application in flexible optoelectronic devices, and the piezoelectric field has emerged as an efficacious pathway for both the separation and migration of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, along with inhibition of recombination. However, the comprehension and control of photogenerated carrier dynamics within nanobubbles still remain inadequate. Hence, this study is dedicated to underscore the importance of in situ detection and detailed characterization of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in nanobubbles to enrich understanding and strategic manipulation in two-dimensional semiconductor materials. Utilizing frequency modulation kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM) and strain gradient distribution techniques, the existence of a piezoelectric field in monolayer WS2 nanobubbles was confirmed. Combining w/o and with illumination FM-KPFM, second-order capacitance gradient technique and in situ nanoscale tip-enhanced photoluminescence characterization techniques, the interrelationships among the piezoelectric effect, interlayer carrier transfer, and the funneling effect for photocarrier dynamics process across various nanobubble sizes were revealed. Notably, for a WS2/graphene bubble height of 15.45 nm, a 0 mV surface potential difference was recorded in the bubble region w/o and with illumination, indicating a mutual offset of piezoelectric effect, interlayer carrier transfer, and the funneling effect. This phenomenon is prevalent in transition metal dichalcogenides materials exhibiting inversion symmetry breaking. The implication of our study is profound for advancing the understanding of the dynamics of photogenerated electron-hole pair in nonuniform strain piezoelectric systems, and offers a reliable framework for the separation and modulation of photogenerated electron-hole pair in flexible optoelectronic devices and photocatalytic applications.

Vibration Analysis of Perovskite Solar Cells Resting on Porous Nanocomposite Substrate in Thermal Environment

The free vibration analysis of a perovskite solar cell (PSC) within thermal environments is studied through a quasi-3D plate model. This model is designed to account for the stretching effects and non-uniform shear strains throughout the thickness. The PSC film is represented in the model as a thin laminated plate, comprising five distinct plies: ITO, PEDOT:PSS, perovskite, PCBM, and Au. A graphene platelets reinforced composite (GPLRC) substrate, made of Poly (methyl methacrylate), is assumed to be located under the noted five layers. The GPLRC substrate is conceptualized in the model as a porous foundation with finite depth. The foundation stiffnesses are determined using a modified Vlasov model, and the equivalent Young modulus of the foundation is evaluated using a modified Halpin–Tsai model, introducing the porosity coefficient. It is also considered that the material properties of GPLRC substrates exhibit temperature dependency. For the PSC with all edges simply supported, Navier solution method is applied to obtain the frequencies and associated mode numbers. Based on the results presented in this study, an increase in the porosity and thickness of the substrate can negatively impact the frequencies of the structure. However, natural frequencies experience almost no change if the temperature rises.

Evolution and formation mechanism of residual stress in Al-Cu alloy rings during ring rolling and quenching

The large-scale ring components, as thin-walled structures, are prone to unpredictable machining deformation due to the initial residual stresses introduced by rolling and quenching, which seriously affect the dimensional accuracy and service life of the ring components. Therefore, the relief and homogenization of residual stress inside large-scale ring components is crucial. However, the existing studies rarely involve the essential causes and the evolution laws of residual stresses during the manufacturing of ring components, which are indispensable for understanding the failure mechanisms of components caused by residual stresses and specifying relevant protective measures. Therefore, the evolution and distribution laws of stress-microstructure-property non-uniformity during the hot forming (ring rolling) and heat treatment (quenching) of 2219 Al-Cu alloy rings were precisely and deeply explored using scaled experiments in this paper. The relationship between non-uniform deformation and residual stresses was analyzed, and the basic equation that residual stresses must satisfy was established. Furthermore, the concept of the “non-coordination coefficient” was proposed, revealing the physical mechanism of residual stresses induced by non-uniform deformation. In addition, the influencing factors and formation mechanisms of residual stresses in the rolled and quenched state of rings were studied, and the essential reasons for the differences in residual stresses between the rolling and quenching processes were obtained. The experimental results indicate that the circumferential and axial residual stresses increased from 1.48 and 0.51 MPa to −142.68 and −122.31 MPa, respectively. The standard deviation changed from 13.47 and 33.52 MPa to 63.42 and 61.61 MPa, respectively. The maximum range of tensile strength, yield strength and elongation rates of the rolling and quenched state is 12.82 and 20.16 MPa, 17.49 and 22.14 MPa, and 8.62 % and 7.56 %, respectively. All fractures are microporous aggregation ductile, including dimple transgranular fracture and intergranular fracture. The quenched state exhibits a significantly larger grain size compared to the rolled state. The appearance of residual stress is essentially to force the inconsistent deformation of various parts inside the object to maintain its integrity and continuity, which leads to a local mismatch of micro-elements inside the ring and further induces non-uniform strain and stress. The difference in the severity of “penetrability” induced by different temperature gradients determines the difference in residual stress between rolled and quenched rings, larger rings have higher and more non-uniform residual stress than smaller rings under the same process conditions. The above results deepen the theoretical understanding of residual stress formation mechanisms and lay a theoretical foundation for the comprehensive evaluation of performance degradation and service failure analysis of large ring components.

Integration of 3D printing with acoustic-assisted assembly of nanomaterials for tunable strain sensors

This study reports a novel methodology for the development of tunable strain sensors by leveraging 3D printing for structural designs and nanomaterial assembly for functional layer coating. We utilized material extrusion (MEX) to print sensor substrates using composite ink of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silica nanoparticles. MEX allows us to create a non-uniform strain distribution of the sensor substrate by designing alternating wide and thin strips with different mechanical properties along the stretching direction. Then, we assembled nanometer-thick graphene flakes on the surface of the substrate using an acoustic-assisted dip-coating method to construct strain sensors. The graphene network on the narrow strips will experience large deformation leading to significantly increased resistance. By fixing the width of wide strips and tailoring the width ratio of the wide strip over narrow strips (r), the gauge factor can be controlled from 8.53 (r = 1:1) to 33.15 (r = 16:1). Also, by printing the narrow strips with softer PDMS, the sensitivity of the sensor can be further increased. The research pioneers the integration of 3D printing and nanomaterial assembly for strain sensors. More importantly, it paves the way for the generic design of flexible electronics and other hybrid systems of polymer and nanomaterials.

Symmetry breaking and high-order instability of telephone cord buckles triggered by in-plane gradients of thin films

Buckle delaminations are ubiquitous in natural and artificial systems including tectonic plates, biological tissues, film structures, and two-dimensional materials. Although the formation and manipulation of various buckle delaminations have been extensively investigated in the past few decades, understanding complex buckle delamination patterns is still a challenge. Here we report on the symmetry breaking and high-order instability of telephone cord (TC) buckles triggered by in-plane gradients of thin films, including strain gradient and thickness gradient. Our experimental observations reveal the unique morphological profile of the asymmetric TC buckle due to the strain gradient. Impact of in-plane strain gradient on morphological changes of TC buckles is elucidated by simulations of buckling and delamination of the thin film. Phase diagrams for five buckle delamination morphologies, i.e., symmetric TC buckle, asymmetric TC buckle, symmetric bilateral branched buckle, asymmetric bilateral branched buckle, and unilateral branched buckle with respect to average strain and strain gradient (or thickness gradient) have been numerically established. This work could promote a better understanding of complex buckle delamination patterns with symmetry breaking and high-order instability and controllable fabrication of ordered buckle delamination patterns by regulating in-plane gradients of thin films.

Texture Evolution and Plastic Deformation Mechanism of Cold-Drawn Co-Cr-Ni-Mo Alloy

The plastic deformation behavior and mechanisms of Co-Cr-Ni-Mo alloy were investigated. The wires were subjected to different reductions using a multi-pass drawing approach and the resulting microstructures were characterized by EBSD and TEM. It was found that the alloy cold-drawn from surface to center exhibited non-uniform radial strain, with decreasing strain from surface to center. As the strain increased, the transverse texture of the alloy evolved from the initial bimodal texture consisting of strong {100}<110> and weak {110}<001> components to bimodal texture with {110}<233> and {112}<111> components, with significant twinning and mirror orientation between twin and matrix. The longitudinal texture evolution of the alloy mainly occurred on the α-fiber line, and ultimately did not form a significant texture due to grain elongation and crystal rotation. The plastic deformation mechanism of the Co-Cr-Ni-Mo alloy was dominated by dislocation slip at lower strain levels, which gradually transitioned to a combination of dislocation slip and twinning at higher strain levels. The deformation twins were typically distributed in high-density dislocation regions, and the twin boundaries transformed into high-angle sub-grain boundaries, hindering the extension of dislocation slip and deformation twin. With the increase in strain, work hardening results in a significant increase in strength and microhardness.

Synergetic Improvement of Flexoelectric Coefficient in Liquid Crystal Embedded Flexible PVDF Polymer Composite for Energy Harvesting Applications.

Flexoelectricity is the universal electric polarization of dielectrics upon exertion of a non-uniform strain gradient. With the advancement of nano-technology and miniaturization of electronic devices, flexoelectricity holds the promise to address the power requirements for such device operation. The direct flexoelectric effect in liquid crystal (LC) embedded poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer films is examined for the first time by the application of external strain on the films. Physical characterizations such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), dielectric spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) are carried out to study the composite films' intrinsic and extrinsic properties like dielectric, crystallinity, and morphologies. The value of the flexoelectric coefficient (μ12) increases with the concentration of LC incorporation. At 3wt%, μ12 attains a maximum value of 68nCm-1, which is more than a threefold increase compared to that of the pure PVDF film. The role of Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization in determining flexoelectric polarization in polymer composites is also discussed. Moreover, the influence of the microstructure and domain size formation in determining the flexoelectric response are discussed in detail to infer the behavior of the flexoelectric coefficients of the films. Potential device applications based on this phenomenon have been proposed for future research in sensing and actuation.