Antisymmetric flexural modes propagating along apex of piezoelectric wedges

This study is focused on the propagation behaviors of antisymmetric flexural (ASF) modes propagating along the apex of piezoelectric wedges. The dispersion behavior of the ASF modes in isotropic wedges attracts many studies. However, for more complex materials such as piezoelectrics, the propagation behaviors of the ASF modes are not studied on the basis of the anisotropy and piezoelectric effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the behaviors of the ASF modes propagating along the apex of piezoelectric wedges with a combined numerical/experimental study based on finite element simulations and laser ultrasound measurements. Wedge samples are prepared from lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) wafers. The phase velocities of the ASF modes as a function of propagation angle and their relation with Rayleigh wave speeds are characterized.