Perfectly matched layer and infinite element coupled with finite elements for SH waves in an imperfect piezoelectric viscoelastic structure

Abstract

Discontinuities of dielectric/mechanical properties at the interfaces in piezoelectric actuators or sensors reduce the efficiency of the system. This may arise due to the uneven transfer of stress or potential across the surface. The present study encapsulates the dispersion phenomenon of SH waves in an imperfectly bonded piezoelectric viscoelastic layered structure. Besides the basic analytical study, two different numerical methodologies have been adopted to obtain the frequency curves; first, semi-analytical finite element and perfectly matched layer and second, semi analytical infinite element with reciprocal of distance decay. The solution treatment utilizes the electro-visco-mechanical field equations and the Rayleigh–Ritz method to derive the mass and stiffness matrices of the perfectly matched layer or infinite element. The assembly process of discretized elements at the mechanical/dielectric imperfect interface is a major theme of this study. Frequency curves obtained by all three aforementioned methodologies have been portrayed graphically with special emphasis on interface imperfection on them. Comparing with the analytical results, it is reported that the method of perfectly matched layer or infinite element coupled with finite element fairly emulates SH wave propagation in piezoelectric viscoelastic (layer and half-space) structure.