Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 July 2015
In this paper, the electro-elastic fields in a functionally gradient piezoelectric strip with an internal semi-infinite electrode are analyzed by using Fourier transform and Wiener-Hopf technique. The exact forms of asymptotic solutions and intensity factor and energy are obtained. The energy density criterion is proposed to study the fracture behavior near the electrode tip. The fracture initiation angle depends on the fracture resistance of the piezoelectric ceramic, bonding strength between piezoelectric and electrode, and the direction of least energy density factor S inside the piezoceramic.