Impact of buffer layer on piezo-magneto-electric fibre-reinforced composite structure on Electro-magneto-mechanical coupling and mass-loading sensitivity analysing Love wave

This study investigates how the presence of a buffer layer in a piezo-magneto-electric (PME) fiberreinforced composite affects electro-magneto-mechanical (EMM) coupling and mass-loading sensitivity, with a focus on the behavior of Love wave propagation. The featured buffer layer that exists between an overlying layer and an underlying half-space (comprised of distinct PME materials) is functionally graded and adapts the properties of the two media between which it is sandwiched. The said composite under a micro-coated mass-loading is taken up as Submodel 1, and under a top air medium as Submodel 2. Further, four different magnetic and electric boundary conditions at the uppermost surface have been considered for both submodels in the study. Utilizing the power-series (semi-analytical) method, a closed-form velocity equation is obtained and the phase velocity characteristics are examined. The obtained results are validated with a standard classical result. The influence of the volume fractions of both media, the gradient characteristics of the buffer layer, and the thicknesses of the uppermost and buffer layers on the velocity profile is analysed. Furthermore, the sensitivity of a micro-coated ZnO layer mass-loading and the coupling factors (comparing magneto-mechanical, electro-mechanical and EMM coupling to assess energy conversion efficiency) are established. This study on a functionally graded buffer layered piezo-magneto-electric (BLPME) structure provides insights to guide the development of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices with graded PME buffer layers for advanced sensors in structural health monitoring, energy harvesting and medical diagnostics.