Degradation Mechanisms of Ferroelectric Ceramic Actuators

Abstract

Ferroelectric oxides deform appreciably under electric field. They are used now as large strain ceramic actuators where a moderate electric voltage can deliver an appreciable mechanical motion. The electrostrictive and piezoelectric strains are incompatible around inhomogeneities, such as electro edge and inclusions. Cracking under electric loading has been identified in recent years. This program seeks to quantify various cracking mechanisms so that future actuator design will have scientific basis. Crack growth under cyclic polarization switching is studied experimentally using a lead lanthanum zirconate-titanate ceramic. We find that the crack growth rate is sensitive to temperature, loading magnitude and frequency. Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for the cyclic crack growth. One such model has been analyzed in detail. More detailed experiments on such cracks are in progress.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 1993
Accession Number
ADA270037

Entities

People

  • Zhigang Suo

Organizations

  • University of California, Santa Barbara

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Actuators
  • Air Gaps
  • Contracts
  • Domain Walls
  • Electric Fields
  • Electronic Materials
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Films
  • High Temperature
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Materials
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanics
  • Minority Groups
  • Technology Transfer
  • Thin Films

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design