Propagation of Bleustein–Gulyaev wave in 6 mm piezoelectric materials loaded with viscous liquid

The influence of a viscous liquid on acoustic waves propagating in elastic or piezoelectric materials is of particular significance for development of liquid sensors. Bleustein–Gulyaev wave is a shear-type surface acoustic wave and has the advantage of not radiating energy into the adjacent liquid. These features make the B–G wave sensitive to changes in both mechanical and electrical properties of the surrounding environment. The Bleustein–Gulyaev wave has been reported to be a good candidate for liquid sensing application. In this paper, we investigate the potential application of B–G wave in 6 mm crystals for liquid sensing. The explicit dispersion relations for both open circuit and metalized surface boundary conditions are given. A numerical example of PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic in contact with viscous liquid is calculated and discussed. Numerical results of attenuation and phase velocity versus viscosity, density of the liquid and wave frequency are presented. The paper is intended to provide essential data for liquid senor design and development.