Finite element analysis on generalized piezothermoelastic interactions in an unbounded piezoelectric medium containing a spherical cavity

Abstract This paper addresses the theoretical analysis of a piezothermoelastic problem involving an unbounded thermopiezoelectric medium with a spherical cavity subjected to pulse heating flux. The generalized piezo-thermo-elastic formulations of Lord and Shulman with thermal relaxation effects are used in this work. Unlike previous studies, which often consider simplified boundary conditions or steady-state thermal loading, our work incorporates generalized piezo-thermo-elastic formulations based on the Lord and Shulman model, accounting for thermal relaxation effects under dynamic thermal loading conditions. The numerical solution of the governing equations is done using the finite element approach, and temporal evolution is solved using the implicit scheme. New numerical results provide insight into the dynamic behavior of the piezoelectric medium subjected to thermal conditions. Thermal relaxation time and pulse heating flux are analyzed in their influence on the coupled thermal, mechanical and electrical fields and, thus, on the response of the system.