Influence of rectangular and parabolic irregularities on the propagation behavior of transverse wave in a piezoelectric layer: A comparative approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to theoretically analyze the propagation of Love-type wave in an irregular piezoelectric layer superimposed on an isotropic elastic substrate. Design/methodology/approach The perturbation technique and Fourier transform have been applied for the solution procedure of the problem. The closed-form expressions of the dispersion relation have been analytically established considering different type of irregularities, namely, rectangular and parabolic for both the cases of electrically open and short conditions. Findings The study reveals that the phase velocity of Love-type wave is prominently influenced by wave number, size of irregularity, piezoelectric constant and dielectric constant of an irregular piezoelectric layer. Numerical simulation and graphical illustrations have been effectuated to depict the pronounced impact of aforementioned affecting parameters on the phase velocity of Love-type wave. The major highlight of the paper is the comparative study carried out for rectangular irregularity and parabolic irregularity in both electrically open and short conditions. Classical Love wave equation has been recovered for both the electrical conditions as the limiting case when both media are elastic and interface between them is regular. Practical implications The consequences of the study can be utilized in the design of surface acoustic wave devices to enhance their efficiency, as the material properties and the type of irregularities present in the piezoelectric layer enable Love-type wave to propagate along the surface of the layer promoting the confinement of wave for a longer duration. Originality/value Up to now, none of the authors have yet studied the propagation of Love waves in a piezoelectric layer overlying an isotropic substrate involving both parabolic and rectangular irregularities. Further, the comparative study of rectangular irregularity and parabolic irregularity for both the cases of electrically open and short conditions elucidating the latent characteristics is among the major highlights and reflects the novelty of the present study.