Finite element computation of the electromechanical J-integral for 2D and 3D crack analysis

Abstract

Piezoelectric ceramics find an application in many fields of technology. They may serve as sensors or actuators, mostly beeing exposed to high electric and mechanical loads. Therefore, fracture mechanics of piezoelectrics is an important field preserving strength and reliability under different conditions of application.

This paper deals with the calculation of electromechanical energy release rates for arbitrary cracks in spatial piezoelectric strutures applying a generalized J-integral. The crack problem is solved using a commercial FEM-code obtaining electric and mechanical field variables in nodes and integration points. These results serve as input data for the numerical computation of the electromechanical J-integral. The results are compared to findings from analytical and alternative numerical methods.

Keywords

ceramics, brittle fracture, finite element method, fracture mechanics, J-intgral, piezoelectricity

Bibliografie

M. Abendroth, U. Groh, M. Kuna, A. Ricoeur, Finite element computation of the electromechanical J-integral for 2D and 3D crack analysis, International Journal of Fracture, 114, 359-378, 2002

Links

AbendrothGrohKunaRicoeur_IntJourFrac_2002.ps]