Numerical analysis of fracture in smart composite structures

Modern adaptive mechanical systems consists of composite structures with integrated sensors and actuators made of smart materials, as e.g. piezoelectric ceramics. For the development and application of such, smart composite structures, problems of fracture and fatigue play an essential role. In the paper, the concepts of piezoelectric fracture mechanics are applied to crack-like defects in smart composite structures subjected to electrical and mechanical loads. Effective finite element techniques are suggested for computing the singular coupled electromechanical fields at the crack tips and for determining the fracture controlling parameters like mechanical as well as electrical stress intensity factors and energy release rates. Their potential use for fracture analysis in adaptive structures is demonstrated by treating various problems of cracks and interface cracks in a composite laminate with embedded piezoelectric ceramic layers.