Wave propagation in a piezoelectric coupled cylindrical membrane shell

Abstract

Wave propagation in a piezoelectric coupled cylindrical shell structure is investigated in the paper. The membrane shell model is used, hence, the transverse forces, bending and twisting moments are considered negligible in this thin cylindrical shell structure. The decoupled torsional wave velocity and the dispersive curves for the two-mode shell model are obtained theoretically. The cut-off frequency and phase velocities at limit cases of wave number are also derived. The mechanical coupling effect by the piezoelectric layer in the torsional phase is clearly observed. The piezoelectric effect by the piezoelectric layer in the two-mode phase velocities obtained from coupled equations and the cut-off frequency of the structure is studied by changing the thickness of the piezoelectric layer. The results of this paper can serve as a reference for future study on wave propagation in coupled structures as well as in the design of smart structures incorporating piezoelectric materials.