The Mixed-Mode Fatigue Crack Propagation Model of Piezoelectric Materials Under Electric Fatigue Loading by the Jk-Integral

The electric fatigue load has a significant effect on the crack propagation behavior and failure life of piezoelectric materials and devices. In this paper, an electrical mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation model for piezoelectric materials is proposed based on the piezoelectric J_k-integral theory. The crack initiation, propagation, and life prediction criteria of piezoelectric materials under electric fatigue loading are given by this model, and the finite element simulation model is established to study the electrical mixed-mode crack propagation behavior of piezoelectric structures. Meanwhile, the electrical mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation model is applied to the fatigue crack propagation behavior of a piezoelectric typical defective structure, the crack–hole interference model. The mixed-mode crack propagation, fatigue life, and the interference behavior between the crack and hole at various hole locations of the crack–hole interference model are well recognized by this model. The crack propagation behavior under different electrical load intensities is also considered. The results show that the hole in front of the crack tip inhibits crack propagation to a certain extent, and the strength of electrical load affects the fatigue life of piezoelectric materials and structures. Therefore, the proposed electrical mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation model provides a reference for predicting the mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation behavior and fatigue life of piezoelectric structures under electric fatigue loading.