A phase-field model of relaxor ferroelectrics based on random field theory. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Shuai; Yi, Min; Xu, Bai-Xiang
• Is Part Of: International journal of solids and structures. Volume 83(2016)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Phase-field modeling -- Relaxor ferroelectrics -- Random field theory -- Finite element methods; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Elastic solids -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Constructions, Théorie des -- Périodiques; Solides élastiques -- Périodiques; Elastic solids; Mechanics, Applied; Structural analysis (Engineering); Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2016.01.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7683

Abstract

Abstract: A mechanically coupled phase-field model is proposed for the first time to simulate the peculiar behavior of relaxor ferroelectrics. Based on the random field theory for relaxors, local random fields are introduced to characterize the effect of chemical disorder. This generic model is developed from a thermodynamic framework and the microforce theory and is implemented by a nonlinear finite element method. Simulation results show that the model can reproduce relaxor features, such as domain miniaturization, small remnant polarization and large piezoelectric response. In particular, the influence of random field strength on these features are revealed. Simulation results on domain structure and hysteresis behavior are discussed and compared with related experimental results.