Wave propagation in submerged piezoelectric composites

In this dissertation we introduce a systematic methodology to investigate wave propagation in stratified piezoelectric media. It is based on a matrix formalism and the concept of the global impedance matrix which relates the components of particle displacement and the normal component of the electric displacement along a surface to the electric potential and the components of traction acting along the same surface. Two formulations are presented for the evaluation of this matrix. One, based on a recursive algorithm, is more suitable when dealing with layered media. The other, based on a matrix Riccati equation is valid when the inhomogeneities in the direction of the stratification are arbitrary. As illustrative examples, the global impedance matrix is used to find the dispersion curves for a bilaminated piezoelectric plate. A recovery scheme to obtain the mode shapes is presented. Also reported is subsonic interfacial wave which can exist when the plate is in contact with a non-conducting acoustic fluid. Floquet theory is also applied to study wave propagation when the stratified medium is periodic. Possible applications to curved structures are also presented.