Micromechanical modelling of ferroelectrics

The wide range of applications of ferroelectrics is matched by an equally wide range of modelling approaches. This article reviews recent micromechanical models of ferroelectric switching. The development of models is traced, from discrete switching models that neglect grain-to-grain interaction, through to incremental switching models that account for interaction between grains. The role of domain wall dynamics and phase-field simulations in improving understanding of the microstructure within ferroelectric crystals is also discussed.