High-frequency vibrations of piezoelectric plates driven by lateral electric fields

We study coupled face-shear and thickness-twist motions of piezoelectric plates of monoclinic crystals driven by lateral electric fields. The first-order theory of piezoelectric plates is used. Pure thickness modes and propagating waves in unbounded plates as well as vibrations of finite plates are studied. Both free vibrations and electrically forced vibrations are considered. Basic vibration characteristics including resonant frequencies, dispersion relations, frequency spectra and motional capacitance are obtained. Numerical results are presented for AT-cut quartz plates. The results are expected to be useful for the understanding and design of resonant piezoelectric devices using lateral field excitation.