Overview of fracture of piezoelectric ceramics

The paper provides an overview for the experimental and theoretical studies on the fracture behavior of piezoelectric ceramics. It first reviews the existing experimental studies and then examines the fracture models and analysis methods. The number of experimental studies has risen greatly in recent years as piezoelectric finds wider applications. In general experimental results show complicated fracture behavior under electrical, mechanical, or combined loading. Fracture data are specially scattered when external electric field is applied. Statistically based fracture criterion is likely required. Data by different researchers sometimes contradict with each other. The Volume of theoretical studies is huge. We discuss various fracture models, fracture criteria and methods of solution for crack problems, At the present time, there is no universally accepted fracture criterion. More studies, especially experimental ones, are needed to provide a better understanding of the fracture behavior of piezoelectric ceramics and to establish more acceptable fracture criteria. The criteria can be statistically based.