ABSTRACT
The three-dimensional problem of both an elliptic indentation and crack problems are considered in a transversely isotropic piezoelectric material. The contact and crack surfaces are parallel to the material plane of isotropic medium. Unlike usual potential methods, the general solution of equation of motion is obtained by transform method. On satisfying the crack conditions one obtains a pair of coupled dual integral equations, the coupling being between the normal displacement components and the electric charge in case of contact problem. Under normal displacement there are similar sets of coupled integral equations. The coupled integral equations are solved by the alternate method that are used in case of isotropic elastic media. Hertz’s contact problem as well as conical problem is considered in details. In particular the crack problem is considered in detail for both constant normal and shear loadings. Unlike most works, complete displacement and electric fields in the whole medium are derived. In particular, the stress intensity factor for elliptic crack/contact problem in impermeable piezoelectric media is derived. Expressions for the stress intensity factor and energy release rate are obtained.
