A one-dimensional continuum model for thermoelectric phase transformations in ferroelectrics

In this paper we construct an explicit one-dimensional constitutive model that is capable of describing some aspects of the thermoelectrical response of a ferroelectric material. The model consists of a Helmholtz free-energy function, a kinetic relation and a nucleation criterion. The free-energy is associated with a three-well potential energy function; the kinetic relation is taken to be a simple linear function of driving traction; and nucleation is assumed to occur at a critical value of driving traction. The predictions of the model in various quasi-static thermoelectrical loadings are examined and compared with experimental observations