Direct optical images of local surface potentials generated by the process zone of a crack are shown for a thickness-poled ferroelectric ceramic using liquid crystals. The observed potentials can be mapped to stresses within the material revealing the complex shape and time development of the process zone so far not accessible using other techniques.

Topics
Optical imaging, Ferroelectric materials, Liquid crystals, Ceramics, Display devices
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© 2001 American Institute of Physics.
2001
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