Size-dependent Generalized Piezothermoelasticity of Microlayer

Nowadays, there has been a notable surge in the utilization of piezoelectric materials at the micro and nano scales, manifesting across various branches of science through the development of diverse microstructures. On the other hand, given the deployment of microstructures in environments subject to temperature fluctuations or in close proximity to heat sources, it is imperative to thoroughly examine the thermal impacts at a micro scale, particularly concerning piezoelectric materials. This paper delves into the investigation of wave propagation within a micro-scale piezoelectric layer experiencing thermal shock. This study represents the exploration of thermo-electro-elastic wave propagation within the micro dimension. For the first time, it incorporates size-dependent modeling (non-classic continuous theory) along with the application of Lord Shulman’s theory to analyze the behavior of the piezoelectric layer. In the modeling process, Maxwell’s three equations governing energy, motion, and electrostatics were extracted, subsequently coupled together, and finally, they were reformulated into a dimensionless form. The differential quadrature method was employed to solve the equations, and the coupled equations were resolved. Houbolt’s method is employed for solving the equations in the time domain. Ultimately, the findings concerning a micro-scale piezoelectric layer under thermal shock are presented. The findings highlight the significance of size effects at the micro scale, emphasizing the necessity of considering them in analyses and applications.