The effective properties of piezocomposites, part I: Single inclusion problem

The problem of a piezoelectric ellipsoidal inclusion in an infinite nonpiezoelectric matrix is very important in engineering. In this paper, it is solved via Green's function technique. The closed-form solutions of the electroelastic Eshelby's tensors for this kind of problem are obtained. The electroelastic Eshelby's tensors can be expressed by the Eshelby's tensors of the perfectly elastic inclusion problem and the perfectly dielectric inclusion problem. Since the closed-form solutions of the Eshelby's tensors of the perfectly elastic inclusion problem and the perfectly dielectric inclusion problem can be given by theory of elasticity and electrodynamics, respectively, the electroelastic Eshelby's tensors can be obtained conveniently. Using these results, the closed-form solutions of the constraint elastic fields and the constraint electric fields inside the piezoelectric ellipsoidal inclusion are also obtained. These expressions can be readily utilized in solutions of numerous problems in the micromechanics of piezoelectric solids, such as the deformation and energy analysis, damage evolution and fracture of the piezoelectric materials. The project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China