Comparison of energy release rate and energy density criteria for a piezoelectric layered composite with a crack normal to interface

A critical comparison of the energy release rate and energy density criteria is made using the example of a piezoelectric layer bonded between two half-spaces of a different elastic solid containing a crack normal to the interfaces. Numerical values of stress intensity factor, energy release rate and energy density factor are presented to exhibit electroelastic interactions. Considered are the exact (permeable) and impermeable crack models. The energy release rate criterion led to negative values which are unphysical. This is consistent with previously published results that seem to contradict with experimental observation related to crack growth enhancement and retardation. The energy density factor always remains positive. This shows that a knowledge of the stress intensity factors alone is not sufficient to explain the behavior of fracture in piezoelectric materials. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.