A Model for Simulating Polarization Switching and AF-F Phase Changes in Ferroelectric Ceramics

A computational micromechanics model for polycrystalline ferroelectric ceramics developed by Chen and Lynch (1997) is modified and applied to the simulation of ferroelectric and ferroelastic switching of the tetragonal and the rhombohedral crystal structures, and to antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase changes. Interactions between different grains in the ceramic are considered. Two switching criteria are used, one for ferroelectric switching and one or phase changes. Experimental results for both types of materials are simulated.