Study of a two-dimensional thermal shock problem

A two-dimensional thermal shock problem of a thick piezoelectric plate extending infinitely has been investigated by the theory of generalized thermoelasticity with two relaxation time parameters (the G-L method). Solution is obtained by the hybrid Laplace transform-finite element method, in which the generalized thermo-elastic-piezoelectric coupled finite element equations are first formulated and solved in the Laplace domain. The numerical Laplace inversion method is then applied to produce results in the physical domain. Obtained results demonstrate the existence of wave type heat propagation in the piezoelectric plate subjected to heat impulse loading and the heat wave propagates at a finite speed. This contradicts the prediction of classic Fourier's heat conduction law, which would show that, if there exists a heat wave, it must traverse at an infinite wave speed.