On the flexoelectric deformations of finite size bodies

TL;DR

This paper simplifies the complex equations governing flexoelectric deformations in finite bodies, providing explicit solutions near surfaces and classical elasticity solutions elsewhere, facilitating practical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces simplified equations for flexoelectric deformation, combining approximate solutions with classical elasticity boundary conditions for finite bodies.

Findings

Explicit form of surface decay solutions

Boundary conditions similar to classical elasticity

Approximate solutions valid for small elastic moduli

Abstract

Exact equations describing flexoelectric deformation in solids, derived previously within the framework of a continuum media theory, are partial differential equations of the fourth order. They are too complex to be used in the cases interesting for applications. In this paper, using the fact of smallness of the elastic moduli of a higher order, simplified equations are proposed. Solution of the exact equations is approximately represented as a sum of two parts: the first part obeys one-dimensional differential equations and exponentially decays near surface, the second --- obeys the equations of classical theory of elasticity. The first part can be constructed in an explicit form. For the second part, boundary conditions are obtained. They have a form of the classical boundary conditions for the body under external forces on surface.