Modeling of PZT-induced Lamb wave propagation in structures by using a novel two-layer spectral finite element

Abstract

This paper presents a novel two-layer spectral finite element model, consisting of PZT wafer and host structure, to simulate PZT-induced Lamb wave propagation in beam-like and plate-like structures. Based on the idea of equal displacement on the interface between PZT wafer and host structure, the one-dimensional spectral beam element of PZT-host beam and two-dimensional spectral plate element of PZT-host plate are considered as one hybrid element, respectively. A novel approach is proposed by taking the coupling effect of piezoelectric transducers in the thickness direction into account. The dynamic equation of the two-layer spectral element is derived from Hamilton’s principle. Validity of the developed spectral finite element is verified through numerical simulation. The result indicates that, compared with the conventional finite element method (FEM) based on elasticity, the proposed spectral finite element is proved to have a high accuracy in modeling Lamb wave propagation, meanwhile, significantly improve the calculation efficiency.