Configurational forces for defect evolution in flexoelectricity

Configurational forces enable enhanced tracking of the growth of an embedded inhomogeneity or inclusion, with its inherent vectorial nature as additional benefit. Although configurational mechanics is an elegant and comprehensive field of both mechanics of materials and fracture mechanics, it is largely unexplored beyond linear elastic applications and underrated due to its complexity. The existing endeavors dealt with at-most strain gradient elasticity in configurational forces, however, mainly in theoretical forms lacking numerical explorations. Current research incorporates flexoelectricity, addressing the complexities associated with higher-order electromechanical coupling. Following a comprehensive, step-by-step verification process to ensure the reliability of the developed configurational forces script, an in-depth numerical analysis is conducted to examine material defects, such as voids and inclusions of different materials. Rigorous investigation revealed the bilateral influence of flexoelectricity and strain gradient elasticity, resulting in a shielding effect impeding the growth of an embedded inhomogeneity.