Love-type wave propagation in a piezoelectric-piezomagnetic system with dual membrane & non-conducting spring interface

Abstract

The present work explores the theoretical behavior of Love-type surface waves in a composite layered medium consisting of a piezoelectric (PE) layer placed atop a piezomagnetic (PM) substrate. These layers are separated by a non-conducting, spring-type imperfect interface, flanked on one side by an electrically conductive membrane and on the other by a magnetically conductive membrane. The model is developed and using appropriate analytical techniques, the associated dispersion relation is determined. Particular cases are examined to demonstrate the versatility of the proposed model. Furthermore, mode shape analyses of the field variables, such as mechanical displacement and electric and magnetic potentials, are performed to elucidate the spatial field distribution within the layered structure. For numerical computation, lead zirconate titanate (PZT-2) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) are employed as the PE layer and PM substrate materials, respectively. Results indicate that elastic coupling significantly increases the phase velocity, whereas electric and magnetic couplings decrease it, due to enhanced energy storage in their respective fields. The mechanical spring constant of the imperfect interface notably influences wave behavior, particularly at low to moderate wave numbers. The results provide a basis for the construction of efficient acoustic sensors, filters, and magneto-electric devices by highlighting the crucial roles that interfacial compliance and dual membrane effects play in adjusting wave dispersion properties.