Propagation of elastic waves in one-dimensional periodic piezoelectric layered structures

In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of the elastic waves in one-dimensional layered structures which consisting of a periodic elastic/piezoelectric/elastic layer bonded perfectly to a thin elastic substrate. The explicit formulations of elastic wave dispersion relations in such layered structure with consideration of electrically open and shorted cases are derived. The band structures are calculated by using the finite element method (FEM). From the result, we can find the band gaps are sensitive to the width of piezoelectric material, where they become wider when the width of piezoelectric material becomes larger; the piezoelectric effects benefit the opening of the complete bandgaps. The analytical method and the results can be useful for the application of vibration isolation in low frequency structures.