Development of a micromechanical continuum damage model of ferroelectric ceramics for the prediction of lifetime at cyclic loading

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Andreas Ricoeur
• Subject Area: Mechanics
• Term: from 2011 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 194824543

Most ferroelectric multifunctional materials are brittle ceramics, which are predominantly applied in actuators and sensors. There, they are supposed to sustain many millions of load cycles without failure and fracture. Models are developed to understand the parameters influencing damage, and finally to optimize actuatoric devices with respect to their lifetime. They enable predictions of both damage processes and functional properties. Based on calculations and computer simulations, mechanisms of damage are investigated and measures are elaborated increasing life time without deteriorating the actuatoric properties.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants