Simulating the ferroelectric response of functional ceramics - approaches, prospects and limitations

New ceramic-based concepts of actuators and sensors show an increasing integration of functional ceramics. In many cases, this leads to complex loadings within the functional ceramics. Evaluating the effect of these loadings on the functional properties and the reliability during service becomes an important part of the development process. Here, starting from standard experiments, models are supposed to help in predicting the behaviour of the functional ceramics during poling and during service efficiently. The presentation summarises current modelling approaches comparatively and discusses their application. Besides the depiction of physical issues, special attention is given to the development of numerical tools.