Love-type waves in a piezoelectric-viscoelastic bimaterial composite structure due to an impulsive point source

The analysis of wave propagation phenomenon piezoelectric-viscoelastic composites still remains an unexplored field of research. The usage of a passive polymer (Epoxy) with active piezoelectric ceramic causes viscoelasticity in the piezoelectric material which results into a piezoelectric-viscoelastic composite. The present study aims to analyze the propagation behavior of Love-type wave in an exponentially graded piezoelectric-viscoelastic material (EGPVM) stratum lying over a functionally graded piezoelectric-viscoelastic material (FGPVM) substrate due to an impulsive point source at its interfacial surface. The electro-visco-mechanical field equations are laid down for the piezoelectric-viscoelastic medium. The analytical solution procedure involves the use of suitable Green's function and admissible boundary conditions. The established frequency equation is in complex form; of which the real expression imparts the frequency curve and imaginary expression gives the attenuation curve of Love-type wave. To depict the results numerically, two distinct piezoelectric-viscoelastic materials (EpoxyBNICLBT and Epoxy-KNLNTS ceramics) for EGPVM stratum and FGPVM substrate are taken into account. The phase velocity profile and attenuation coefficient profile of Love-type wave is portrayed graphically. Diagnostic results are simulated numerically which forefronts the effect of distinct parameters. The study manifests the impact of the material medium parameters, viz. piezoelectric constants, dielectric constants, piezoelectric loss moduli, dielectric loss moduli, exponential gradient parameter and magnifying gradient parameters on the phase velocity and attenuation coefficient of Love-type wave. For sake of validation, the obtained results are matched with the classical one, as a special case of the problem. The outcomes of the study may find its worth in better and optimum design of surface acoustic wave devices and Love wave sensors, keeping efficiency at its premium.