A simplified model for domain switching of ferroelectric crystal

Domain switching is the main source of nonlinear characteristics in ferroelectrics. According to crystal plasticity theory, the domains and domain switching systems for perovskite-type structure ferroelectrics are defined. Considering the traverse motion performance of domain wall, a rather simplified form of evolution law about incremental of volume fraction during domain switching has been developed. The main factors, which exert an influence on domain switching, such as material parameters, domain wall motion history, kind of domain switching (180degrees or 90degrees) and volume fraction, could be addressed. The hysteresis loops of spontaneous electric polarization as a function of electric field, the butterfly shaped strain versus electric field curve and the platform relations between spontaneous polarization and stress, as well as the longitudinal strain and stress, are well simulated and discussed.