Reflection at the free surface of the orthotropic piezo-hygro-thermo-elastic medium

PurposeThis paper aims to study the impact of pyro-electricity, moisture and temperature diffusivity on the energy distribution of plane waves at the free surface of an orthotropic piezo-hygro-thermo-elastic medium. Design/methodology/approachThis study presents the novel creation of governing equations for an anisotropic piezothermoelastic medium with moisture impact, which is a significant contribution of this paper. FindingsIn addition to providing numerical data for the amplitude ratios and energy ratios of reflected waves, this study identifies five different kinds of coupled reflected plane waves, namely, quasi-longitudinal P wave, quasi-thermal wave, quasi-transverse wave, quasi-moisture wave and electric potential wave. Research limitations/implicationsThe graphical analysis examines the impact of various factors, such as the angle of incidence, moisture and temperature diffusivity, pyro-electricity and frequency, on energy distribution. Practical implicationsThis paper's results significantly impact the development of more efficient piezoelectric materials and their applications in geophysics. Originality/valueThe authors of the submitted document initiated and produced it collectively, with equal contributions from all members.