Bulk wave propagation in layered piezomagnetic/piezoelectric plates with initial stresses or interface imperfections

Bulk wave propagation in laminated piezomagnetic/piezoelectric plates with initial stresses and imperfect interface is investigated using the state space approach. Either electrically and magnetically open or shorted conditions on the top and bottom surfaces are considered. The phase velocity and frequency spectra of the wave are numerically calculated for various electric and magnetic conditions, and normalized modes are also analyzed. Although numerical results do indicate that the initial compressive stress can reduce the phase velocity of the wave propagating in a layered multiferroic structure, the effect is not as obvious as that reported in literature where the initial stresses were taken far beyond the strength of real materials. While the imperfect interface affect the frequency spectra much greater than initial stresses, because imperfection decreases the structural stiffness. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.