In piezoelectric materials, an electric charge is generated in response to an applied mechanical stress (piezoelectric effect). Vice versa, given an applied electric field, these materials will show elastic deformation (inverse piezoelectric effect). In the case of high electric driving fields, cyclic electrical loading can cause electrical and mechanical degradation, such as the initiation and growth of cracks. In this study, commercial hard-PZT (lead zirconate titanate) discs are pre-damaged by a Vickers indent and subjected to cyclic electrical loading with a high electric field. Fatigue crack growth is monitored until fracture occurs. Fatigue life until fracture is displayed
in a Weibull plot, showing three classes of failure (early, intermediate and late). Fracture surfaces are observed postmortem through scanning electron microscopy.