Wave propagation in piezoelectric coupled plates by use of interdigital transducer: Part 1. Dispersion characteristics

In the first part of this research paper on SH wave propagation in the piezoelectric coupled plate by use of interdigital transducer (IDT), the dispersion characteristics and the mode shapes of the wave propagation in this structure are presented. The piezoelectric coupled plate is made of a metal host plate and a piezoelectric layer surface bonded on the metal substrate. Such structure is analysed with piezoelectric effects fully coupled for the purpose of applying IDT to the health monitoring of structures. The mathematical model of the SH wave propagation in this plate structure is based on the type of surface wave solution. From the numerical simulations, the Bleustein–Gulyayev surface wave is observed for the first mode of the wave propagation in this paper. The asymptotic solution for higher modes is the shear velocity of the piezoelectric layer. The comparison of the dispersion curves for this piezoelectric coupled plate and the semiinfinite piezoelectric coupled medium is also conducted. The mode shapes of the deflection and the electric potential of the piezoelectric layer are derived and discussed. This research provides the basic model for the analysis of the wave propagation in piezoelectric coupled plate, and the excitation of this type of surface wave by use of IDT will be studied in the second part of the research