Abstract
In the present work, as-received poled lead zirconate titanate, or PZT–5A, was examined using ball-on-ring (BoR) mechanical testing coupled with an electric field. Electric fields in the range of ±4Ec (Ec, coercive field) with controlled loading paths were applied, and mechanical tests at a substantial number of characteristic electric field levels were conducted. Commercial electronic liquid FC-40 was used to prevent the setup from dielectric breakdown under a high electric field. Weibull strength distribution was used to interpret the mechanical strength data. The data showed that the strength levels of the PZT-5A tested under OC (open circuit) in air and in FC-40 were almost the same. It was further revealed that , for the studied cases, the effect of loading history on the biaxial flexural strength of the PZT was significant in -Ec, but not in OC or zero field as well as 4Ec . An asymmetry V curve was observed for the characteristic strength-electric field graph, and the bottom of V curve was located near the negative coercive field. Microscopy analysis showed that surface-located volume-distributed flaws were the strength limiter and responsible for the failure of the tested PZT under electromechanical loadings.
