The jumping dielectric breakdown behavior induced by crack propagation in ferroelectric materials: A phase field study

Ferroelectric materials often experience fracture and dielectric breakdown under large mechanical and/or electrical loads. These two failure behaviors can affect each other and may lead to new phenomena. This study predicts a new type of jumping dielectric breakdown during crack propagation in ferroelectric materials using a phase field model involving multiple order parameters. The driving forces for the evolution of polarization, fracture, and dielectric breakdown were analysed based on the concept of configurational forces. The jumping dielectric breakdown was attributed to the competition between crack propagation and breakdown initiation at the moving crack tip. The breakdown pattern is related to the polarization domain structure and is significantly influenced by the applied electric field and crack boundary conditions. Furthermore, the jumping breakdown associated with possible mechanical degradation of the material can change the driving and resistance forces for crack propagation. This study introduces a novel dielectric breakdown behavior during crack propagation and provides new insights into the coupling failure of ferroelectric materials.