Characterization and representation of mechanical waves generated in piezo-electric augmented beams

Mechanical waves are induced in solids due to the system's coupling with an external excitation. Depending upon the nature of the resulting displacement and phase difference between the vibrating particles at a particular frequency, the mechanical waves can be classified as standing waves, traveling waves or a combination of the two. This study focuses on the identification of these different forms of mechanical waves and discusses methods that can be suitably used for their classification. The Hilbert and Fourier methods of classification were validated using experimental results and then compared against each other. The experimental and theoretical analysis of mechanical waves was conducted on a beam with free-free boundary conditions excited by piezoelectric elements.