Cracking in ceramic actuators caused by electrostriction

Many perosvskite-type ceramics deform appreciably under electric fields; they make good actuators which deliver motions upon receiving electrical signals. High electric fields are usually applied to induce large strains. Fracture has been observed in the actuators under electrical loading. In this theoretical study, the phenomenon is examined on the basis of electrostriction and fracture mechanics. Attention is focused on a crack emanating from an internal electrode or a conducting damage path. At the edge of the conducting path, the electric field is intense and nonuniform, inducing incompatible electrostrictive strains. Consequently, a stress field is set up in the ceramic, localized around the edge of the conducting path. The condition for the stress to extend a crack is estimated by two models, using either quadratic or step-like electrostriction law. It is found that, under a given electric field, cracking is suppressed in a multilayer actuator if the ceramic layers are sufficiently thin.