Waves in Random and Complex Media

ISSN: (Print) (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/twrm20

Perusal of flexoelectric effect with deformed

interface in distinct (PZT-7A, PZT-5A, PZT-6B, PZT-4,
PZT-2) piezoelectric materials

Abhinav Singhal, Rakhi Tiwari, Juhi Baroi & Raju Kumhar

To cite this article: Abhinav Singhal, Rakhi Tiwari, Juhi Baroi & Raju Kumhar (2022):
Perusal of flexoelectric effect with deformed interface in distinct (PZT-7A, PZT-5A, PZT-6B,
PZT-4, PZT-2) piezoelectric materials, Waves in Random and Complex Media, DOI:
10.1080/17455030.2022.2026522

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/17455030.2022.2026522

Published online: 31 Jan 2022.

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WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA
https://doi.org/10.1080/17455030.2022.2026522

Perusal of flexoelectric effect with deformed interface in

distinct (PZT-7A, PZT-5A, PZT-6B, PZT-4, PZT-2) piezoelectric
materials
Abhinav Singhal a , Rakhi Tiwari b , Juhi Baroia and Raju Kumharc
a School of Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University), Delhi-NCR, India; b Nitishwar College, Babasaheb
Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Muzzaffarpur India; c Department of Mathematics and Computing, Indian
Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, India

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

The present research article aims to describe that the flexoelectric Received 11 June 2020
affects the propagation of Love-type in various piezoelectric (PE) Accepted 4 January 2022
materials bars (PZT-7A, PZT-5A, PZT-6B, PZT-4, PZT-2) that rest over a KEYWORDS
silicon oxide plate under the presence of a deformed interface. With Flexoelectric influence;
the help of material properties of these various piezoelectric, this arti- surface wave vibrations;
cle elucidates the impact of flexoelectric (FE) and piezoelectric (PE) deformed interface;
on propagation characteristics of Love-type waves. Before this, the piezoelectric; Mathematical
desire dispersion relation in the form of a complex, for both elec- Analysis; Dispersion relation
trically unlocked/locked conditions, have been obtained by using
mechanical as well as electrical quantities for the respective medium
under suitable boundary and interface conditions. The complex dis-
persion relation is separated into real and imaginary terms which give
Real(c) and Imag(c). Further, the effect of flexoelectric (FE) and piezo-
electric (PE) on Real(c) and Imag(c) have been observed. In addition,
a comparative study among various types of piezoelectric materials
is also performed which serve as a major highlight of the present
research work. The outcomes of this study may be very helpful in the
specific problems of monitoring structural health system design with
the help of simulation and a lesser number of elaborate trials.

Nomenclature

σ stress tensor
τ higher order stress (moment stress) tensor
ε strain
Eo electric field intensity
Vo electric field gradient
w strain gradient
D electrical displacement vector
Qo electric quadrupole tensor
c elastic tensors

CONTACT Abhinav Singhal abhinavsinghal70@yahoo.com

© 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

2 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

a permittivity tensors
e piezoelectric tensors
f direct piezoelectric tensors
d converse piezoelectric tensors
u particle displacements
φ electric potential
ui mechanical displacement
k = 2π/λ wave number
λ wavelength
√
i = −1 Imaginary unit
e
c44 shear modulus of the lower plate
ρe Density of the lower plate
σo Initial stress
ue Mechanical displacement of the lower plate
φe Electric potential of the lower plate

1. Introduction
Piezoelectric material is a typical material, which came in the category of multiferroic com-
posites. In the manufacturing of sensors, transducers, actuators, etc. PE composites are
utilized. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) gadgets exertion on the concept of the extant of
the surface wave continuance in an elastic structure of free facet, where the dispersal is
confined close by the surface. The study of piezo-induced ultrasonic wave propagation in
composite structures has become more interesting. The specific structure of SAW devices
can be treated as a theoretical model to analyse the travelling of seismic waves in smart
compound structures made of the above-mentioned materials, which sets the motivation
of the proposed study. Chu et al. [1] followed the same concept to study the surface wave
continuance. Singhal et al. [2] and Nathankumar et al. [3] contrived the elastic surface waves
continuance in PE/PM framework and Sahu et al. [4] through a multilayered composite
structure.
In present days, most of the framework (eg. Smart sensors, touch screens, ebook readers,
etc.) consists of atleast two constituents for better stability. Additionally, the combination
of materials (composite, smart, or intelligent material structures) has better efficiency, sta-
bility, and work performance in comparison to those constituent materials, which work
solely. The inclusion of piezomagnetic ceramic, in any edifice, can assist to help for con-
trolling structural functioning by the magnetically induced strain fields, also employing a
strain-induced magnetic field as a feedback driver. Now, recently, Othmani et al. [5] stud-
ied the simulation that was carried out numerically to gather the knowledge about Lamb
waves continuance in an FGPM composed of GaAs-AlAs materials. Following the differential
equations approach based on Legendre polynomial, Li et al. [6] studied the seismic waves
continuance in FGPM, and Barati [7] studied the wave propagation in nonporous materi-
als. The group of Arani et al. [8] studied the nonlinear quivering of microbeams rubbery
soldered with PE beams under the phenomenon of the strain gradient theory. Moreover,
Othmani et al. [9] cover the topic of scrutinizing and facsimile the influence of PE material
variables on shear horizontal (SH) waves continuance in PZT plates. In the present study,
the interface is considered in deformed form. Chaudhary et al. [10] scrutinized the secular
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 3

expressions of SH waves continuance in pre-stressed rotating PE frameworks carrying an

imperfect interface. Moreover, Nirwal et al. [11] did the examination of various boundary
categories on the wave velocity in the PE system with FE. Ezzin et al. [12] represented the
model related to the study of the Love wave continuance in the PE layer on PM substrate.
Ebrahimi and Barati [13] represented the study of damping quivering examination of PE
polymeric microplates on viscoelastic half-space relying on nonlocal strain gradient con-
jecture. Recently, several other studies have been carried out to determine the influence
of the mechanical and electrical properties of multilayer piezoelectric materials. Some of
them are Habibi et al. [14], Alshaikh [15], Yademellat et al. [16], Amir et al. [17]; and Singh &
Gupta [18].
Until now, most researchers have performed based on the assumption that the two
different materials are perfectly connected. Whereas, the interface between two differ-
ent materials cannot be perfectly connected due to several reasons such as micro-defects,
diffusion impurities, the defection of fabrication, and many other forms of damages. The
imperfectness always arises at the interface between two different materials due to crack,
fracture, or thermal discrepancy at the time of manufacture/design of the piezoelectric sen-
sors or devices that relate them to the real-world situation. Consequently, it becomes much
more important to consider the imperfection of the interface with practical applications in
mind, mainly in the design of sensors or piezoelectric devices. The mechanical and electrical
quantities such as mechanical displacement, electrical potential, and electrical displace-
ment become discontinuous due to the presence of imperfections. Therefore, the shear
stress of respective materials is being balanced by the difference in mechanical displace-
ment at the common interface between two different materials of structure from where it
helps to increase the efficiency and performance of the piezoelectric devices or sensors. The
surface wave existence and propagation in multi-layered structures under the considera-
tion of imperfect interface between two different materials have been examined by several
researchers, some of whom are Pang and Liu [19], Huang et al. [20] and Sun et al. [21], Guo
et al. [22], Balvantn et al. [23], and Kumhar et al. [24].
The current research is going to clearly display the Love wave vibrations transference
in the piezoelectric layer sticked on a pre-stressed silicon layer with a deformed interface.
The application of the theory and simulation is in structural health monitoring, biomedical
sciences to optimization sensors for improved detection sensitivity, and specificity. Spe-
cific types of sensors such as surface-bonded piezoelectric sensors and embedded sensors
inside composite materials with relevant boundary conditions will be considered – that are
relevant for designing better sensors and techniques for deployment. The outcomes may
be useful in the specific problems of structural health monitoring system design with the
help of simulation and a lesser number of elaborate tests. The noteworthy results of the
current work will provide references in the manufacturing of scientific composites.

2. Articulation of the current research structure

Figure 1 carries the double material bars framework, carrying PE bar of extent h1 stick on the
silicon oxide bar of extent h2 , which is under the action of pre-stress through a deformed
interface. In Figure 1, x-axis governs the orientation of the material bar’s facet, y-axis gov-
erns the direction of wave continuance, and z-axis represents the mechanical displacement
4 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

Figure 1. Geometrical representation of twin material bars having PE and FE.

orientation. In the 2-dimensional present study, all the considered physical parameters rely
on x and y coordinates.
The main governing expressions for the PE material having the impact of FE are
expressed as:

σij = cijkl εkl − dijkl Vklo − eijk Eko (1)

τijm = −fijkm Eko (2)
Di = aij Ejo + ejki εjk + fjkil wjkl (3)
Qoij = dklij εkl (4)

Here τijm = τjim , σij = σji , and Qoij = Qoji . Now, to mention the noteworthy relation d =
−f . Hence,
1
εij = (ui,j + uj,i ) (5)
2
Eio = −φ,i (6)
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 5

Here the comma represents the partial differentiation with respect to spatial variables like
in Equations (5) and (6), etc. Now, some more expressions related to the topics are:

wjkl = εjk,l (7)

Vijo = Ei.jo (8)

Also, Vijo = Vjio , wjkl = wkjl , εij = εji .

The problems or structures carrying the Love-type structures fall in the class of anti-plane
problems. Therefore, here, the presumption is that the Love-type wave travels in the y-axis
orientation. Now,
p p p p
u1 = u2 = 0, u3 = u3 (x, y, t), φ p = φ p (x, y, t), (9)

Under some measures, the physical quantities and differentiation w.r.t. z-coordinate of
Love-type wave vibrations must vanish, and yields
    p
∂ ∂τ311 ∂τ312 ∂ ∂τ321 ∂τ322 ∂ 2u
σ31 − − + σ32 − − = ρ p 23 (10)
∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂t
 o   o 
∂ ∂Q o ∂Q ∂ ∂Q o ∂Q
Do1 − 11
− 12
+ Do2 − 21
− 22
=0 (11)
∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y ∂x ∂y

In consonance to the Equation (9), 12 quantities are obtained, from which, 6 are in relation to
the strain; specifically, 2 shear strain and 4 shear strain gradients; moreover, 6 are in relation
to the electric field; specifically, 2 electric field intensities and 4 electric field gradients.
 p  p
1 ∂u3 1 ∂u3
ε23 = , ε31 = (12)
2 ∂y 2 ∂y
 p
  p
  p
  p

1 ∂ 2 u3 1 ∂ 2 u3 1 ∂ 2 u3 1 ∂ 2 u3
w231 = , w232 = , w311 = , w312 = (13)
2 ∂x∂y 2 ∂y2 2 ∂x 2 2 ∂x∂y
∂φ p o ∂φ p
E1o = − , E2 = − (14)
∂x ∂y
o ∂ 2φp o ∂ 2φp o ∂ 2φp o ∂ 2φp
V11 =− , V 12 = − , V 21 = − , V 22 = − (15)
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂x∂y ∂y2

Now using the Equations (12)–(15) in Equations (1)–(4), we obtain:

p
∂τ311 ∂τ312 ∂u ∂φ p
σ31 − − = c44 3 + e15 (16)
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂x
p
∂τ321 ∂τ322 ∂u ∂φ p ∂ 2φp ∂ 2φp
σ32 − − = c44 3 + e15 − h41 2 + h41 2 (17)
∂x ∂y ∂y ∂y ∂x ∂y
p p
∂Qo11 ∂Qo12 ∂φ p ∂u ∂ 2 u3
Do1 − − = −a11 + e15 3 + (h41 + h52 ) (18)
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂x ∂x∂y
p p p
∂Qo21 ∂Qo22 ∂φ p ∂u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u
Do2 − − = −a11 + e15 3 − h52 23 − h41 23 (19)
∂x ∂y ∂y ∂y ∂x ∂y
6 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

Here, some of the measures related to FE are arranged in the following way, such
that coefficients are written as: d2311 = d41 , d3112 = d52 , d3121 = −d52 , and d2322 = −d41
& h symbolizes the tensor property and given as: h = f − d and particularly, some more
measures related to h are introduced in the following manner: h52 = f52 − d52 andh41 =
f41 − d41 .
Hence, the basic expressions of PE material plate are:
p p p
∂ 2 u3 ∂ 2 u3 ∂ 2φp ∂ 2φp ∂ 3φp ∂ 3φp p ∂ u3
2
c44 + c44 + e15 + e15 − h41 + h41 = ρ (20)
∂x 2 ∂y2 ∂x 2 ∂y2 ∂x 2 ∂y ∂y3 ∂t2
p p p p
∂ 2φp ∂ 2φp ∂ 2 u3 ∂ 2 u3 ∂ 3 u3 ∂ 3 u3
− a11 − a11 + e15 + e15 + h41 − h41 =0 (21)
∂x 2 ∂y2 ∂x 2 ∂y2 ∂x 2 ∂y ∂y3

In the absence of FE, the above expressions can be reduced in the PE governing expres-
sions. Hence, the universal expression for the fixed extent PE layer is considered in the
following way:
p
u3 (x, y, t) = U(x)eik(y−ct) , φ p (x, y, t) =
(x)eik(y−ct) (22)
Equations (20)–(22) are worked out together, which gives

d2 U p 2 2 d2

c44 − (c44 − ρ c )k U + (e15 − ikh41 ) − (e15 + ikh41 )k2

= 0 (23)
dx 2 dx 2
d2
2 d2 U
− a11 + a11 k
+ (e15 + ikh41 ) − (e15 − ikh41 )k2 U = 0 (24)
dx 2 dx 2
Hence, resolving the above expressions and the achieved mechanical displacement and
electric potential components in the presence of FE are:

u3 (x, y, t) = (S1 es1 x + S2 e−s1 x + T3 es2 x + T4 e−s2 x )eik(y−ct)

p
(25)
φ p (x, y, t) = (1 es1 x + 2 e−s1 x + 3 es2 x + 4 e−s2 x )eik(y−ct) (26)

here (1 − 4 ) are undetermined constants and S, T, s1 , s2 are the assumed functions,

hence:

e15 (s21 − k2 ) − ikh41 (s21 + k2 )

S=− (27)
c44 (s21 − k2 ) + ρ p c2 k2
e15 (s22 − k2 ) − ikh41 (s22 + k2 )
T=− (28)
c44 (s22 − k2 ) + ρ p c2 k2


 2a11 c44 + 2e215 − a11 ρ p c2 − 2h241 k2


 + a11 ρ p c4 − 16(a11 c44 + e215 )h241 k2 + 8a11 ρ p c2 h241 k2
s1 =  k (29)
2(a11 c44 + e215 + h241 k2 )


 2a11 c44 + 2e215 − a11 ρ p c2 − 2h241 k2


 − a11 ρ p c4 − 16(a11 c44 + e215 )h241 k2 + 8a11 ρ p c2 h241 k2
s2 =  k (30)
2(a11 c44 + e215 + h241 k2 )
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 7

The main basic fundamental expression for the initially stressed elastic plate are :

e ∂ 2 ue e ∂ 2 ue ∂ 2 ue
c44 + (c44 + σ o) 2 = ρe 2 (31)
∂x 2 ∂y ∂t
∂ 2φe ∂ 2φe
+ =0 (32)
∂x 2 ∂y2
In the above expressions, the superscript e symbolizes the characteristics of the initially
stressed elastic plate. Hence, the assumption of the solution of the lower plate are as follows:

ue (x, y, t) = Ue (x)eik(y−ct) , φ e (x, y, t) =

e (x)eik(y−ct) (33)

workout on Equations (31)–(33), simultaneously. Then the displacement component and

electric potential function for the elastic material bas are achieved as:

ue (x, y, t) = (5 eαkx + 6 e−αkx )eik(y−ct) (34)

φ e (x, y, t) = (7 ekx + 8 e−kx )eik(y−ct) (35)

(c44
e +σ o )−(ρ e c2 )
here α = e
c44
and (5 − 8 ) are undetermined constants.

3. Boundary conditions (states) & dispersion expressions

(1 − 8 ) are undetermined constants that convince the wave amplitudes within the
Equations (25, 26) and Equations (34)–(35), partly. The measure of the constants (1 − 8 )
is determined subsequently by the boundary constraints at x = −h1 , x = 0 , and x =
−h2

(1) Mechanically and electrically, the constraint for electrically unlocked alliance at x =
−h1

(a) [(σzx − τzxx,x − τzxy,y ) − τzyx,y ]upper plate = 0 (36)

(b) [(Dx − Qxx,x − Qxy,y ) − Qyx,y ]upper plate = 0 (37)

(2) Mechanically and electrically, the constraint for electrically locked alliance at
x = −h1

(a) [(σzx − τzxx,x − τzxy,y ) − τzyx,y ]upper plate = 0 (38)

(b) [φ1P (x, y)]upper plate = 0 (39)

(3) At the interface, the continuous conditions and impedance boundary condition is
given at x = 0 as follows:

(a) [(σzx + ωZ1 uP )]upper plate = [(τzx + ωZ1 ue )]lower plate (40)
(b) [Dx ]upper plate = [Dx ]lower plate (41)
p
(c) [u3 ]upper plate = [ue ]lower plate (42)
(d) [φ ]upper plate = [φ e ]upper plate
p (43)
8 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

(4) Mechanically and electrically, state for an electrically unlocked condition at x = −h2

(a) [σzx ]lower plate = 0 (44)

(b) [Dx ]lower plate = 0 (45)

(5) Mechanically and electrically, state for an electrically locked case at x = −h2

(a) [σzx ]lower plate = 0 (46)

(b) [φ1e (x, y)]lower plate = 0 (47)
The recognition of adaptable electronics is an interesting provocation due to its high
potentiality in numerous practices. Across the weakly conducting alliance, the normal elec-
tric flux is in continuance; however, electrically locked case also experiences a jump, and it
is directly corresponding to the normal electric flux. Somatically, it delivers that charge is
non-continuous all over the alliance at various instances/points where the electric experi-
ences a jump, though it suddenly let the motion of the wave to a peak; however, it was left
nearly constant.
Contrarily, the electric conduction across the highly conducting interface is continu-
ous, while the obtained normal electric flux experiences a discontinuity proportional to a
conduction surface differential operator. Somatically, it delivers that the charge remains
continuous all over the alliance, so in this condition, a continuous dispensation of electric
charge let the motion of the wave dramatically drop or decay, nevertheless the unexpected
jump.

4. Dispersion expressions and validation

4.1. Dispersion expression for electrically unlocked instance
Planting the measures of wι and φi (i = 1, 2) through Equations (25)–(26) including Equa-
tions (34)–(35) within the Equations (36), (37), (40) to (43) and including the Equa-
tions (44)–(45), the achieved algebraic expressions for the undetermined constant
i ( i = 1, 2, . . . ,8) .
Det[i ] i = 1,2, . . . ,8, (48)
To obtain the non-zero values from Equation (53), equated it to zero and obtained the
closed form of the dispersion equation. All the arriving measures of Equation (53) are
itemized in appendix1.

4.2. Dispersion expression for electrically locked instance

Planting the measures of wι and φi (i = 1, 2) through Equations (25)–(26) including Equa-
tions (34) and (35) within the Equations (38)–(40) to (43) and including Equations (46)–(47),
the achieved algebraic expressions for the undetermined constant i ( i = 1, 2, . . . ,8) .
Det[i ] i = 1,2, . . . ,8, (49)
To obtain the non-trivial solution of Equation (55), equated it to zero and obtained the
closed form of the dispersion equation. All the arriving measures of Equation (55) are
itemized in appendix 2.
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 9

Dispersion expression of the Love-type wave and inquisitive fragmentary derivatives are
theoretically procured employing the separation of a variable technique. An inquisitive exe-
cution is then pertained on the contemplated compound materials’ statistics. Love-type
wave is liberated of the Poisson’s ratio, due to which the transposition of the fundamental-
mode of the Love-type wave dispersion obtained normal dispersive profile furnishes an
increased precise result. For the spare realistic outcomes, crooked dispersive profiles, struc-
tures that are very deep, are only elucidated by higher-mode Love-type wave dispersion
expressions.

4.3. Validation
A considered structure is reduced to only PZT-4, in addition to CoFe2 O4 plate; then, [20]
is considered as a particular case of the present study and the same is theoretically and
mathematically validated with [20]. It is also validated graphically in Figure 5.

5. Computative instance and analysis

This part of the research carries the material parameters data chosen on the surface of the
structure. Table 1.
The phase velocity in the study is achieved as complex phase velocity and is supposed
to be in the form of c = c1 + ic2 . Here, e−ikct = e−ikc1 t ekc2 t is attained. While c2 represents
a positive number, which governs the magnitude of the motion of the selected wave that
escalated with the growing time. Moreover, if c2 represents an anti-positive number, then
wave magnitude attenuates in contrast to escalation. For the purpose of the brief study,
Real(c) & Imag(c) are utilized to display the real part and imaginary part of the phase velocity,
respectively.

5.1. Pictorial display for an electrically unlocked condition with impedance

boundary
Figure 2(a,b) elucidate the behaviour of the phase velocity in the form of Real (c) and Imag
(c) against non-dimensional wave number, by taking five different piezoelectric materials of
the surface wave. In Figure 2(a,b), the blue, green, violet, black, and red colour curves repre-
sent PZT-5A, PZT-4, PZT-2, PZT-6B, and PZT-7A, respectively. The remarkable observations
interpreted from these figures are as follows:

Table 1. Material coefficients of different piezoelectric materials

PZT-2 PZT-4 PZT-6B PZT-7A PZT-5A
C44 (109 Nm−2 ) 22.2 26 2.71 25.4 21
ρ(103 kgm−3 ) 7.6 7.5 5.8 76,000 7750
ε11 = ε22 (10−9 Fm−1 ) 8.7615 6.46 3.6 −2.1 −5.2
μ11 (10−6 Ns2 C−2 ) 5 5 5 5 5
e15 (Cm−2 ) 10.5 12.7 4.6 9.2 12.3
q15 (NA−1 m−1 ) – – – – –
Csh (m/s) 2088.87 2353.1 – – –
10 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

Figure 2. Disparity of phase velocity (c) in opposition to non-dimensional wave number. (a) real(c)
∼ (khf ); (b) img(c) ∼ (khf ).

• It can be seen from these figures that as we increase the magnitude of non-
dimensional wave number, the pattern of both Real (c) and Imag (c) is always reduced
from PZT 7A to PZT 5A.
• The piezoelectric materials PZT-5A, PZT-4, PZT-2, PZT-6B, and PZT-7A express the
increasing order in which they support the phase velocity (i.e. Real (c) and Imag (c)) of
surface waves. More expressively, PZT-5A has a low measure of the wave velocity with
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 11

escalated wave number in paired conditions in opposition to PZT-7A, PZT-6B, PZT-4,

and PZT-2.
• In addition, Imag(c) has more measurable value in contrast to the real (c). Therefore,
the impact of FE on velocity is more noteworthy as in contrast to the pre-stressed
silicon oxide plate having the impact of initial stress.

Figure 3. Disparity of real(c) in opposition to dimensionless wave number (khf )with FE and without FE
in piloting PE plate (a) real(c) ∼ (khf ); (b) imag(c) ∼ (khf ).
12 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

In Figure 3(a,b), are the nature of flexoelectric (FE) and piezoelectric (PE) on the sur-
face wave velocity with respect to the non-dimension wave number by taking five dif-
ferent piezoelectric materials under electrically locked and unlocked. Here, the blue,
green, violet, black, and red colour curves demonstrate PZT-5A, PZT-4, PZT-2, PZT-6B,
and PZT-7A, respectively. The noticeable effects through these figures are summarized as
follows:

Figure 4. Disparity of (a) Real(c) and (b) Imag(c) in opposition to dimensionless wave number (khf ) for
contrasting measures of flawed (impedance) interface.
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 13

• Figure 3(a,b) suggest that the flexoelectric FE is highly impactful for the surface waves
having less wave numbers, whereas PE, highly impactful for the surface waves having
more wave numbers (respect to FE).
• Moreover, as outcomes, when PE is taken, the surface wave phase velocity changes
into a complex number form and behaves dispersive. Mostly, PZT-7A has an active
nature of phase velocity with escalated wave number nearly in paired conditions as
compared to the rest of the materials. However, PZT-4 displays the least measure.
• Furthermore, the observation with the help of Figure 3 is that it governs the length-
ening of wave amplitude with increasing wave number, while facing the impact of
FE together with weakly/highly conductive alliance. So, as a noticeable conclusion,
while examining the SAW dispersion expression in nanoscale piezoelectric plates, the
FE and PE have a worthwhile role.
• The considered scale is to measure the size of a strong strain gradient effect zone near
an interface, or surface, or singular points; when the material is loaded (mechanically
stressed), it should be the material parameter. So, it is found from the paper that PZT-
5A, PZT-4, PZT-2, PZT-6B, and PZT-7A materials with this order and that the strong
gradient is found at the material PZT -7A, then PZT-6B, PZT-2, PZT-4, and PZT-5A, in
all the graphs drawn by using MATHEMATICA software.

Graphical representation for an electrically unlocked condition with highly conducting

alliance
Figure 4(a,b) demonstrate the noticeable influence of the growing flawedness of the
alliance (mechanically amenable and dielectrically highly conducting alliance) on the phase
velocity (i.e. Real (c) and Imag (c)) of the surface wave. According to Figure 4(a,b), the blue,
green, violet, black, and red colour curves represent PZT-5A, PZT-4, PZT-2, PZT-6B, and
PZT-7A, respectively. The following results on these figures are as follows:

• From Figure 4(a), the flawed variable actively escalates the real phase [i.e. Real (c)]
against a non-dimensional wave number of the considered wave under five different
piezoelectric materials. Mostly, PZT-7A has an inflated measure of the wave velocity

Figure 5. Dispersion relation of the material PZT 4 with CoFe2 O4 material plate with imperfect material.
14 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

with an escalated wave number; however, PZT-4 displays the least measure. Now
noteworthy outcomes with the help of this figure suggest that for more coherence
of sensors, PZT-7A is advantageous.
• From Figure 4(b), the flawed variable actively escalates the imaginary phase part
(i.e. Imag(c)) against a non-dimensional wave number of the considered wave under
five different piezoelectric materials. Mostly, PZT-5A has an inflated measure of the
wave velocity with escalated wave number in paired conditions. Figure 4 exhibits the
noteworthy outcomes, which suggest that for more efficiency of sensors, PZT-5A is
advantageous.

This is the case of the validation part where Figure 5 is matched with a figure drawn in
the paper [20], where the author displays the dispersion relation curves for the materials
PZT 4 with CoFe2 O4 , and this figure or considered structure is the only particular case of
the present study.

6. Conclusions
In the present analysis, the influence of flexoelectric (FE) and piezoelectric (PE) has been
theoretically examined on the propagation behaviour of the surface wave in twin material
bars under electrically locked and unlocked conditions. Numerical computation has been
performed by considering five different piezoelectric materials, such as PZT-5A, PZT-4, PZT-
2, PZT-6B, and PZT-7A. The remarkable observations and the significant outcomes from the
present study under the considered twin material bars are summarized as follows:

• Based on the entire study, a common observation is that the phase velocity (i.e. Real
(c) and Imag (c)) of the surface wave decreases rapidly with a gradual increase in the
wave number of the surface wave, when the magnitude of all physical quantities is
fixed.
• The impact of FE on the wave velocity is supplemental worthwhile as the pilot plate
(upper layer) parameter decay in respect to the PE. This noteworthy result stipulates
that FE also rely on the plate’s extent.
• As the plate’s extent is increasing, the wave velocity is also increasing in weakly
conductive cases (in both cases: electrically locked and unlocked case).
• FE impact on wave velocity is worthwhile in respect to the elastic plate under pre-
stress.
• The research outcomes carry positive Real(c) and Image(c). It governs that the wave
amplitude lengthens with an increasing wave number, while facing the impact of FE
together with weakly/highly conductive alliance.
• It is perceived that Imag(c) has a worthwhile change in the velocity in electrically
unlocked and locked conditions, in dielectrically highly conducting and mechanically
compliant and alliance.
• So, as a noticeable conclusion, while examining the SAW dispersion expression in
nanoscale PE plates, the FE and PE have a worthwhile role.
• The solutions obtained will be used to further examine the influence of varied vari-
ables on wave velocity, including those special cases of waves propagation through
piezoelectric composites.
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 15

• The considered scale is to measure the size of a strong strain gradient effect zone near
an interface, or surface, or singular points; when the material is loaded (mechanically
stressed), it should be the material parameter. So, it is found from the paper that PZT-
5A, PZT-4, PZT-2, PZT-6B, and PZT-7A materials with this order and that the strong
gradient is found at the material PZT -7A, then PZT-6B, PZT-2, PZT-4, and PZT-5A, in
all the graphs drawn by using MATHEMATICA software.

This study, which is based on theoretical and numerical commutation, makes a signif-
icant contribution to the many fields of the aspect of the surface wave in twin materials
structure, involving deformed interface (arising due to micro-defects, diffusion impurities,
the defection of fabrication, and other forms of damages). The application of the theory and
simulation is in structural health monitoring, biomedical sciences to optimization sensors
for improved detection sensitivity, and specificity. Specific types of sensors such as the sur-
face bonded piezoelectric sensors and embedded sensors inside composite materials with
relevant boundary conditions will be considered as relevant for designing better sensors
and techniques for deployment. The outcomes may be helpful in monitoring specific prob-
lems of the structural health system design with the help of simulation and a lesser number
of elaborate trials.

Acknowledgement
The authors convey their sincere thanks to the ‘School of Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University),
Delhi-NCR, India’ for providing all necessary research facilities.

Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

ORCID
Abhinav Singhal http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6796-1995
Rakhi Tiwari http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3232-3077

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Appendix 1
Secular equations for electrically open case
   
ikh41 ikh41
11 = Sc44 + e15 − s1 e−s1 h1 , 12 = − Sc44 + e15 − s1 es1 h1 ,
2 2
 
ikh41
13 = Tc44 + e15 − s2 e−s2 h1
2
 WAVES IN RANDOM AND COMPLEX MEDIA 17

    
ikh41 h52
14 = − Tc44 + e15 − s2 es2 h1 , 21 = −a11 + Se15 + ikS + h41 s1 e−s1 h1
2 2
  
h52
22 = − −a11 + Se15 + ikS + h41 s1 es1 h1 ,
2
  
h52
23 = −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 e−s2 h1 ,
2
    
h52 s2 h1 ikh41
24 = − −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 e , 31 = Sc44 + e15 − s1 ,
2 2
   
ikh41 ikh41
32 = − Sc44 + e15 − s1 , 33 = Tc44 + e15 − s2 ,
2 2
 
ikh41
34 = − Tc44 + e15 − s2 ,
2
  
h52
35 = −kαe15 , A36 = kαe15 , 41 = −a11 + Se15 + ikS + h41 s1 ,
2
  
h52
42 = − −a11 + Se15 + ikS + h41 s1
2
  
h52
43 = −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 ,
2
  
h52 e e
44 = − −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 , 47 = ε11 k, A48 = −ε11 k
2
e e
51 = KT S, 52 = SKT , 53 = TKT , 54 = TKT , 55 = −(KT + kαc44 ), 56 = (−KT + kαc44 )
e e
61 = KL , 62 = KL , 63 = KL , 64 = KL , 65 = −KL , 66 = −KL , 67 = kε11 , 77 = −kε11 ,
75 = kαekαh2 , 76 = −kαe−kαh2 , 77 = kekh2 , 78 = −ke−kh2 .

Appendix 2
Secular expressions for electrically unlocked case
   
ikh41 ikh41
11 = Sc44 + e15 − s1 e−s1 h1 , 12 = − Sc44 + e15 − s1 es1 h1 ,
2 2
 
ikh41
13 = Tc44 + e15 − s2 e−s2 h1
2
    
ikh41 h52
14 = − Tc44 + e15 − s2 es2 h1 , 21 = −a11 + Se15 + ikS + h41 s1 e−s1 h1
2 2
  
h52
22 = − −a11 + Se15 + ikS + h41 s1 es1 h1 ,
2
  
h52
23 = −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 e−s2 h1 ,
2
    
h52 ikh41
24 = − −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 es2 h1 , 31 = Sc44 + e15 − s1 ,
2 2
   
ikh41 ikh41
31 = Sc44 + e15 − s1 , 32 = − Sc44 + e15 − s1 ,
2 2
 
ikh41
33 = Tc44 + e15 − s2
2
18 A. SINGHAL ET AL.

 
ikh41
34 = − Tc44 + e15 − s2 , 35 = −kαe15 , 36 = kαe15
2
     
h52 h52
43 = −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 , 44 = − −a11 + Te15 + ikT + h41 s2 ,
2 2
e e
47 = ε11 k, 48 = −ε11 k
e e
51 = KT S, 52 = SKT , 53 = TKT , 54 = TKT , 55 = −(KT + kαc44 ), 56 = (−KT + kαc44 )
e e
61 = KL , 62 = KL , 63 = KL , 64 = KL , 65 = −KL , 66 = −KL , 67 = kε11 , 77 = −kε11 ,
75 = kαekαh2 , 76 = −kαe−kαh2 , 77 = kekh2 , 78 = −ke−kh2 .