Dispersion characteristics of wave propagation in layered piezoelectric structures: Exact and simplified models

Abstract This article presents a study of the dispersion characteristics of wave propagation in layered piezoelectric structures under plane strain and open-loop conditions. The exact dispersion relation is first determined based on an electro-elastodynamic analysis. The dispersion equation is complicated and can be solved only by numerical methods. Since the piezoelectric layer is very thin and can be modeled as an electro-elastic film, a simplified model of the piezoelectric layer reduces this complex problem to a non-trivial solution of a series of quadratic equations of wave numbers. The model is simple, yet captures the main phenomena of wave propagation. This model determines the dispersion curves of PZT4-Aluminum layered structures and identifies the two lowest modes of waves: the generalized longitudinal mode and the generalized Rayleigh mode. The model is validated by comparing with exact solutions, indicating that the results are accurate when the thickness of the layer is smaller or comparable to the typical wavelength. The effect of the piezoelectricity is examined, showing a significant influence on the generalized longitudinal wave but a very limited effect on the generalized Rayleigh wave. Typical examples are provided to illustrate the wave modes and the effects of layer thickness in the simplified model and the effects of the material combinations.