Propagation of Rayleigh waves in a fluid loaded piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite layer with a sliding interface

This work presents a mathematical model for Rayleigh wave propagation in a piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite (PFRC) layer resting on a viscoelastic half-space, with the PFRC surface subjected to fluid loading. The interfacial condition is modeled as a sliding contact to represent imperfect bonding. Using analytical techniques, the displacement fields in each region are derived and connected through physically consistent boundary and interface conditions. The governing equations yield a complex dispersion relation that captures both propagation and attenuation dynamics of the Rayleigh wave. Limiting cases are considered to validate the formulation against established results in the literature. Numerical computations are also performed to investigate the influence of interfacial sliding, composite volume fractions, viscoelastic parameters, and the fluid-to-layer thickness ratio on phase velocity and attenuation. The results show that these effects play a significant role in wave transmission and energy dissipation. The study provides useful insight into wave behavior in layered smart composites and has potential applications in nondestructive testing.