Singularities of an interface crack in electrostrictive materials

In the present work, the singularities of an interface crack between two dissimilar electrostrictive materials under electric loads are investigated. Within the framework of two-dimensional deformation, the problem is solved using the complex variable method. Three crack models, that is, permeable, impermeable and conducting crack models are considered individually. Complex potentials and intensity factors of total stresses are derived by considering both the Maxwell stresses in the surrounding space at infinity and inside the crack. It is found that, for the above three crack models, the singularities of total stress are the same as those in traditional bi-materials with an interface crack; however, the intensities of the total stress depend on the actual crack model used. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.