Non-local theory solution of two collinear mode-I cracks in piezoelectric materials

In this paper, the basic solution of two collinear cracks in a piezoelectric material plane subjected to a uniform tension loading is investigated by means of the non-local theory. Through the Fourier transform, the problem is solved with the help of two pairs of integral equations, in which the unknown variables are the jumps of displacements across the crack surfaces. To solve the integral equations, the jumps of displacements across the crack surfaces are directly expanded in a series of Jacobi polynomials. Numerical examples are provided to show the effects of the interaction of two cracks, the materials constants and the lattice parameter on the stress field and the electric displacement field near crack tips. Unlike the classical elasticity solution, it is found that no stress and electric displacement singularities are present at crack tips. The non-local elastic solutions yield a finite hoop stress at the crack tip, thus allowing us to using the maximum stress as a fracture criterion in piezoelectric materials.