Analysis of a nonlinear crack in a piezoelectric half-space via displacement discontinuity method

In this paper, we derive the exact closed-form fundamental solutions due to uniform extended displacement discontinuities over a triangular element in a piezoelectric half-space. Using the triangular elements to partition the penny-shaped crack, the triangular element fundamental solutions are verified by comparing with the existing analytical solution associated with the penny-shaped crack. The polarization saturation model is then applied to an elliptical crack in the piezoelectric half-space, and the resulting nonlinear fracture problem is solved by combing the triangular element fundamental solutions and the displacement discontinuity method. The electric yielding zone and the extended field intensity factors are obtained by an iterative approach. The effects of the applied mechanical load and electric displacement, the polarization saturation in the yielding zone, and the aspect ratio of the elliptical crack on the yielding zone size and field intensity factors are discussed through numerical examples.