Love-type wave characteristics in the heterogeneous hydrogel layer pasted over the functionally graded piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites semi-infinite substrate

Purpose - This study aims to explore the characteristics of the Love wave propagation through a heterogeneous hydrogel layer bounded to a functionally graded PFRC substrate while determining the displacement and electric potential in a di-electrically faintly conducting, mechanically compliant interface. Design/methodology/approach - In order to calculate the value of response variables, the Wave mode method has been used. The governing modeled equations are non-homogeneous. The analytical solution has been obtained by deploying the boundary conditions. Findings - The effect of thickness on the field variables for different values of variation parameter, mechanical constant of proportionality, electrical constant of proportionality and volume fraction of the PFRC substrate is examined for both, electrically open and short cases. Originality/value - To the best of authors' knowledge, no attempt has been made to analyze the propagation characteristics of Love wave through the heterogeneous hydrogel Layer bedded over the functionally graded piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites substrate.