Unidimensional model of polarisation changes in piezoelectric ceramics based on the principle of maximum entropy production

This paper presents a one-dimensional model for piezoelectric ceramics developed using the principle of maximum entropy production. Changes in polarisation are assumed to occur only as a consequence of domain wall movement. Such movement, it is assumed, can occur as a consequence of applied load or applied electric field. Simulations of experiments conducted by Fang and Li (J Mater Sci, 34:4001–4010, 1999) are presented and show good agreement with the experimental results. This suggests that abrupt domain switching (known to occur in piezoelectric ceramics at very high applied stresses and fields) may have less influence on the dissipative behaviour of piezoelectric sensors and actuators than previously thought.