Propagation of thickness-twist waves in an inhomogeneous piezoelectric plate with an imperfectly bonded interface

The propagation of thickness-twist waves in an inhomogeneous piezoelectric plate with an imperfectly bonded interface is investigated. Based on the spring-type relation, the imperfectly bonded interface is dealt with, and the exact solution is obtained from the equations of the linear theory of piezoelectricity. The amplitude ratio between the incident wave and the reflected wave, the displacement component and the stress component are all obtained and plotted. Both theoretical analysis and numerical examples show that the effect of the mechanical imperfection on the wave propagation is more evident than that of the electrical imperfection. When the incident wave frequency and the mechanical imperfect parameter meet some particular relation, no reflected waves can appear in the piezoelectric plate. The results are of fundamental importance to the design of resonators and other devices when imperfect joints are considered.