  A mechanically coupled phase-field model is proposed for the first time to
simulate the peculiar behavior of relaxor ferroelectrics. Based on the random
field theory for relaxors, local random fields are introduced to characterize
the effect of chemical disorder. This generic model is developed from a
thermodynamic framework and the microforce theory and is implemented by a
nonlinear finite element method. Simulation results show that the model can
reproduce relaxor features, such as domain miniaturization, small remnant
polarization and large piezoelectric response. In particular, the influence of
random field strength on these features are revealed. Simulation results on
domain structure and hysteresis behavior are discussed and compared with
related experimental results.
