Vibrations of pyroelectric plates

Symmetric and antisymmetric wave propagations in a pyroelectric plate of crystal class 2 are considered. The frequency equations are derived when the surfaces of the plate are traction free and completely coated with electrodes that are shorted and thermally insulated. The frequency equations are also deduced for crystal classes 2 mm and 6 mm. Numerical work has been carried out for piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride belonging to the 2-mm class as heat conduction coefficients and specific heat capacity are small compared to other material constants of polyvinylidene fluoride. Barium titanate ceramic is considered for numerical calculation to illustrate the effect of pyroelectricity. Results are tabulated and the dispersion curves are also given. © 1991, Acoustical Society of America. All rights reserved.