Dispersive SH waves in a cylindrical multiferroic composite with interfacial irregularity: Approximate analysis on coordinate-dependent phase velocity

Irregular interfaces may be formed between the neighboring ferromagnetic and ferroelectric layers of multiferroic composites during the hot-pressing process. They undoubtedly affects the mechanical behavior of multiferroic composites and this is a scientific problem deserving studying. In addition, phase velocity will be a function of coordinate if the interface is irregular, and this makes the governing equation so complicated that direct analytical solution is unobtainable. The present article proposes an approximate approach for analyzing SH waves in a cylindrical multiferroic composite with interfacial irregularity. The dispersion equation is analytically derived and numerically solved. After the validity range of the approximate treatment is clarified, parametric studies reveals that interfacial corrugations can give rise to an oscillatory distribution of phase velocity along the propagation direction. Because such oscillation can lead to unstable signal transmission, it should be avoided in engineering. Further discussion suggests three possible ways for suppressing the oscillation of phase velocity. The research results can provide references for optimizing the design, manufacture and application of multiferroic devices.