Perfectly matched layers for flexural waves in Kirchhof–Love plates

Abstract We propose Perfectly Matched Layers (PMLs) for flexural waves in plate structures. The analytical model is based on transformation optics techniques applied to the biharmonic fourth-order partial differential equation describing flexural vibrations in Kirchhoff–Love plates. We show that perfect boundary conditions are not an optimal solution, since they depend on the incident waves. The full analytical form of PMLs and zero reflection conditions at the boundary between homogeneous and PML domains are given. The implementation in a Finite Element (FEM) code is described and an eigenfrequency analysis is given as a possible methodology to check the implementation itself. A measure of the performances of the PMLs is introduced and the effects of element discretization, boundary conditions, frequency, dimension of the PML, amount of transformation and dissipation are detailed. It is shown that the model gives excellent results also when the applied load approaches the PML domain.