Modeling of Wave Propagation for Condition Monitoring: Effect of Particular Qualities of PZT Actuation

Abstract

 In this article, a model simulating wave propagation in an infinite isotropic structure excited by a thin piezoelectric wafer is considered. Three different models are used to calculate wave fields occuring in the considered layer. The first finite element (FE) model simulates the excitation caused by a piezoelectric actuator bonded onto the host structure using an adhesive layer. The actuator is driven by the electric potential applied to its upper surface. The second semi-analytical model is based on the Fourier transform and on the Green's matrix representation for the calculation of the occuring displacement fields. The third model introduces the effect of the actuator as two pin forces applied to the ends of the actuator. The results demonstrate the advantages and disadvanatges of the presented approaches, as well as the effect of a bonding layer in a wide frequency range.