A non-conventional approach for crack problems in piezoelectric media under electromechanical loading

In this paper the elastostatic solution of an inclined crack problem has been analyzed. The approach is analogous to the one proposed over the past years for orthotropic materials by Piva and Viola (1988) (Eng Fract Mech, 29: 535-548), and it may be considered an alternative to the mathematical formalisms currently used. A general expression of the stress field is determined in terms of complex potentials. The stress distribution and the displacement field in the proximity of the crack tip are finally obtained. An expression of the energy release rate is provided in terms of the field intensity factors. Numerical results are presented and discussed under different remote electro-mechanical loading conditions and varying the crack inclination. Particular attention has been focused on the effect of the lateral load on the fracture quantities and on the direction of the incipient branching angle.