Evolution of remnant state variables and linear material properties in ferroelectric ceramics during compressive loading and unloading

A pre-poled lead titanate zirconate (PZT) cube specimen was subjected to impulsive compression stress with increasing amplitude. Linear material properties were evaluated graphically from the measured responses. The material properties were plotted versus relative remnant polarization and fitted by quadratic curves. Then the specimen was subjected to compressive creep loading and unloading of various constant magnitudes. The linear material properties obtained from impulsive stress loading were used to calculate the evolutions of remnant state variables and material properties during the compressive creep loading and unloading. The magnitudes of polarization and strains that were induced and recovered during the creep loading and unloading were plotted and discussed.