Dynamics of structural interfaces: Filtering and focussing effects for elastic waves

Dynamics of thick interfaces separating different regions of elastic materials is investigated. The interfaces are made up of elastic layers or inertial truss structures. The study of evanescent mode propagation and transmission properties reveals that the discrete nature of structural interfaces introduces unusual filtering characteristics in the system, which cannot be obtained with multilayered interfaces. An example of metamaterial is presented, namely, a planar structural interface, which acts as a flat lens, therefore evidencing the negative refraction and focussing of elastic waves.     

Surface waves in an exponentially graded, general anisotropic elastic material under the influence of gravity

In a recent paper Destrade [1] studied surface waves in an exponentially graded orthotropic elastic material. He showed that the quartic equation for the Stroh eigenvalue p is, after properly modified, a quadratic equation in p² with real coefficients. He also showed that the displacement and the stress decay at different rates with the depth x₂ of the half-space. Vinh and Seriani [2] considered the same problem and added the influence of gravity on surface waves. In this paper we generalize the problem to exponentially graded general anisotropic elastic materials. We prove that the coefficients of the sextic equation for p remain real and that the different decay rates for the displacement and the stress hold also for general anisotropic materials. A surface wave exists in the graded material under the influence of gravity if a surface wave can propagate in the homogeneous material without the influence of gravity in which the material parameters are taken at the surface of the graded half-space. As the wave number k → ∞, the surface wave speed approaches the surface wave speed for the homogeneous material. A new matrix differential equation for surface waves in an arbitrarily graded anisotropic elastic material under the influence of gravity is presented. Finally we discuss the existence of one-component surface waves in the exponentially graded anisotropic elastic material with or without the influence of gravity.     

Effects of SH waves in a functionally graded plate

A computational method is presented to investigate SH waves in functionally graded material (FGM) plates. The FGM plate is first divided into quadratic layer elements (QLEs), in which the material properties are assumed as a quadratic function in the thickness direction. A general solution for the equation of motion governing the QLE has been derived. The general solution is then used together with the boundary and continuity conditions to obtain the displacement and stress in the wave number domain for an arbitrary FGM plate. The displacements and stresses in the frequency domain and time domain are obtained using inverse Fourier integration. Furthermore, a simple integral technique is also proposed for evaluating modified Bessel functions with complex valued order. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate this numerical technique for SH waves propagating in FGM plates.     

Kinetic modeling of multiple scattering of elastic waves in heterogeneous anisotropic media

In this paper we develop a multiple scattering model for elastic waves in random anisotropic media. It relies on a kinetic approach of wave propagation phenomena pertaining to the situation whereby the wavelength is comparable to the correlation length of the weak random inhomogeneities—the so-called weak coupling limit. The waves are described in terms of their associated energy densities in the phase space position  ×$\times$  wave vector. They satisfy radiative transfer equations in this scaling, characterized by collision operators depending on the correlation structure of the heterogeneities. The derivation is based on a multi-scale asymptotic analysis using spatio-temporal Wigner transforms and their interpretation in terms of semiclassical operators, along the same lines as Bal (2005). The model accounts for all possible polarizations of waves in anisotropic elastic media and their interactions, as well as for the degeneracy directions of propagation when two phase speeds possibly coincide. Thus it embodies isotropic elasticity which was considered in several previous publications. Some particular anisotropic cases of engineering interest are derived in detail.     

Guided elastic waves and perfectly matched layers

Elastic waveguides support propagating modes that have two possible features, negative group velocities and long wavelengths that, for some frequencies, degrade the accuracy or otherwise poison existing numerical schemes that utilise perfectly matched layers (PMLs) to mimic infinite domains. We illustrate why negative group velocities and long waves are potentially an issue and describe how these problems are overcome. Detailed numerical simulations confirm the accuracy of the modified scheme and provide both theoretical and pragmatic estimates for the parameters within the PML model, in particular for the damping function. We also contrast and compare different implementations of the PML model using spectral and finite difference methods.     

Purely transverse waves in elastic anisotropic media

Formulas are obtained for decompositions of the third- and fourth-rank tensors symmetric in the last two and three indices, respectively, into irreducible parts invariant relative to the orthogonal group of coordinate transformation. The corresponding parts of the decompositions are orthogonal to each other. These decompositions are used to obtain a general representation of the displacement vectors of plane transverse waves in elastic isotropic and anisotropic solids. It is shown that the displacement vectors of transverse waves are second-, third-, and fourth-degree homogeneous polynomials of the wave normal. Special orthotropic materials are found that transmit purely transverse waves for any direction of the wave normal. The eigenmoduli, eigenstates, and engineering constants (bulk moduli, Youngs moduli, Poissons ratios, shear moduli, and Lame constants of the closest isotropic materials) are determined for these materials.Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika i Tekhnicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 46, No. 1, pp. 160–172, January–February, 2005     

Scattering attenuation of elastic waves due to low-contrast inclusions

Seismic scattering attenuation due to random lithospheric heterogeneity has been theoretically modeled using two approaches. One approach is the Born approximation theory (BAT), which is primarily used to treat weak continuous heterogeneity, and the other approach is the Foldy approximation theory (FAT), which deals with sparsely distributed discrete inclusions. We apply the BAT to elastic wave scattering due to inclusions having low contrast with the matrix, and compare the results with those predicted by the FAT. We thus investigate the valid wavenumber range of the BAT based on a reasonable assumption that the inclusions are distributed so sparsely that the FAT is effectively correct for any wavenumber. For simplicity, we consider a specific type of round inclusion, which is either two- or three-dimensional and has a two-valued wave velocity and/or mass density. Both theories are confirmed to yield essentially equivalent results below a certain wavenumber limit, depending on the contrast. This is known as the Rayleigh-Gans scattering regime. Beyond the wavenumber limit, the BAT overestimates the attenuation for common-mode scattering due to wave-velocity contrast, but remains valid with respect to the attenuation for scattering due to mass-density contrast and/or conversion scattering. These conclusions are independent of the spatial dimensions of the media as well as the modes of the elastic waves (P or S). Some advantages of the BAT over the FAT for application to low-contrast inclusions are discussed.     

Diffuse scattered field of elastic waves from randomly rough surfaces using an analytical Kirchhoff theory

We develop an elastodynamic theory to predict the diffuse scattered field of elastic waves by randomly rough surfaces, for the first time, with the aid of the Kirchhoff approximation (KA). Analytical expressions are derived incorporating surface statistics, to represent the expectation of the angular distribution of the diffuse intensity for different modes. The analytical solutions are successfully verified with numerical Monte Carlo simulations, and also validated by comparison with experiments. We then apply the theory to quantitatively investigate the effects of the roughness and the shear-to-compressional wave speed ratio on the mode conversion and the scattering intensity, from low to high roughness within the valid region of KA. Both the direct and the mode converted intensities are significantly affected by the roughness, which leads to distinct scattering patterns for different wave modes. The mode conversion effect is very strong around the specular angle and it is found to increase as the surface appears to be more rough. In addition, the 3D roughness induced coupling between the out-of-plane shear horizontal (SH) mode and the in-plane modes is studied. The intensity of the SH mode is shown to be very sensitive to the out-of-plane correlation length, being influenced more by this than by the RMS value of the roughness. However, it is found that the depolarization pattern for the diffuse field is independent of the actual value of the roughness.     

Explicit conditions for the existence of exceptional body waves and subsonic surface waves in anisotropic elastic solids

It is known that a subsonic surface (Rayleigh) wave exists in an anisotropic elastic half-space x₂  0 if the first transonic state is not of Type 1. If the first transonic state is of Type 1 but the limiting wave is not exceptional, a subsonic surface wave exists. If the first transonic state is of Type 1 and the limiting wave is exceptional, a subsonic surface wave exists when . It is shown that an exceptional body wave is necessarily an exceptional transonic wave, and could be an exceptional limiting wave. Only two wave speeds are possible for an exceptional body wave. We present explicit conditions in terms of the reduced elastic compliances for the existence of an exceptional body wave. If an exceptional body wave exists, conditions are given for identifying whether the transonic state is of Type 1. Hence, through the existence of an exceptional body wave we provide explicit conditions for the existence of a subsonic surface wave with the exception when needs to be computed.     

General formalism for plane guided waves in transversely inhomogeneous anisotropic plates

The sextic approach to plane waves in infinite (visco)elastic plates of arbitrary anisotropy and transverse inhomogeneity is outlined. A particular thrust is set on continuous inhomogeneity when the propagator is defined by the Peano expansion. Despite underlying explicit intricacy, the basic framework of the pursued formalism is little affected by a through-plate variation of material. To make it evident, the principal algebraic symmetry of the propagator for unattenuated waves and the ensuing arrangement of the impedance as a Hermitian matrix with specific traits are inferred directly from energy considerations. Staying the same as for homogeneous plates, those features yield useful developments in the broader context of inhomogeneity. The formalism may be expressed in either pair picked among velocity, frequency and wavenumber, but different choices of a dispersion variable are shown to entail analytical dissimilarities. In addition, the impact of the profile symmetry and of the horizontal plane of crystallographic symmetry is examined. The surface-impedance method and some other aspects of the numerical treatment are discussed.     

In-plane elastic wave propagation and band-gaps in layered functionally graded phononic crystals

In-plane wave propagation in layered phononic crystals composed of functionally graded interlayers arisen from the solid diffusion of homogeneous isotropic materials of the crystal is considered. Wave transmission and band-gaps due to the material gradation and incident wave-field are investigated. A classification of band-gaps in layered phononic crystals is proposed. The classification relies on the analysis of the eigenvalues of the transfer matrix for a unit-cell and the asymptotics derived for the transmission coefficient. Two kinds of band-gaps, where the transmission coefficient decays exponentially with the number of unit-cells are specified. The so-called low transmission pass-bands are introduced in order to identify frequency ranges, in which the transmission is sufficiently low for engineering applications, but it does not tend to zero exponentially as the number of unit-cells tends to infinity. A polyvalent analysis of the geometrical and physical parameters on band-gaps is presented.     

Characteristics of elastic waves in FGM spherical shells,an analytical solution

In this paper, we investigate the propagation characteristics of elastic guided waves in FGM spherical shells with exponentially graded material in the radial direction. A new separation of variables technique to displacements is proposed to convert the governing equations of the wave motion to the second-order ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. By further a variables transform technique, these equations are transformed to the Whittaker equations so that analytic solutions can be obtained. For the spherical shell case, by satisfying the traction-free boundary conditions on both the inner and outer surfaces of the shell, we obtain the dispersion equations, which show that both the SH and Lamb-type wave modes are generated in the structure. The calculated dispersion curves in the functionally graded shell demonstrate a clear influence of the gradient coefficient as compared to those of the homogeneous shell, with the Lamb-type waves more sensitive to the gradient coefficient. The mode shapes and the distributions of stresses in the shells for various gradient coefficients are also presented to illustrate their dependence on the gradient coefficient.     

Rayleigh-type waves in a water-saturated porous half-space with an elastic plate on its surface

The paper deals with the plane problem of steady-state time harmonic vibrations of an infinite elastic plate resting on a water-saturated porous solid. The displacements of the plate are described by means of the linear theory of small elastic oscillations. The motion of the two-phase medium is studied within the framework of Biot's linear theory of consolidation. The main interest is focused on the investigation of properties of the Rayleigh-type waves propagating alongside of the contact surface between the plate and the porous half-space. In particular, the dependence of the phase velocity and attenuation of the waves on the plate stiffness, mass coupling coefficient, and degree of saturation of the medium is studied. Besides, for the limiting case of an infinitely thin plate, the comparison of the wave characteristics is carried out with those of the pure Rayleigh waves.     

Multiple scattering of elastic waves by pinned dislocation segments in a continuum

The coherent propagation of elastic waves in a solid filled with a random distribution of pinned dislocation segments is studied to all orders in perturbation theory. It is shown that, within the independent scattering approximation, the perturbation series that generates the mass operator is a geometric series that can thus be formally summed. A divergent quantity is shown to be renormalizable to zero at low frequencies. At higher frequencies said quantity can be expressed in terms of a cut-off with dimensions of length, related to the dislocation length, and physical quantities can be computed in terms of two parameters, to be determined by experiment. The approach used in this problem is compared and contrasted with the scattering of de Broglie waves by delta-function potentials as described by the Schrödinger equation.     

Finite element computation of trapped and leaky elastic waves in open stratified waveguides

Elastic guided waves are of interest for inspecting structures due to their ability to propagate over long distances. In numerous applications, the guiding structure is surrounded by a solid matrix that can be considered as unbounded in the transverse directions. The physics of waves in such an open waveguide significantly differs from a closed waveguide, i.e. for a bounded cross-section. Except for trapped modes, part of the energy is radiated in the surrounding medium, yielding attenuated modes along the axis called leaky modes. These leaky modes have often been considered in non destructive testing applications, which require waves of low attenuation in order to maximize the inspection distance. The main difficulty with numerical modeling of open waveguides lies in the unbounded nature of the geometry in the transverse direction. This difficulty is particularly severe due to the unusual behavior of leaky modes: while attenuating along the axis, such modes exponentially grow along the transverse direction. A simple numerical procedure consists in using absorbing layers of artificially growing viscoelasticity, but large layers may be required. The goal of this paper is to explore another approach for the computation of trapped and leaky modes in open waveguides. The approach combines the so-called semi-analytical finite element method and a perfectly matched layer technique. Such an approach has already been successfully applied in scalar acoustics and electromagnetism. It is extended here to open elastic waveguides, which raises specific difficulties. In this paper, two-dimensional stratified waveguides are considered. As it reveals a rich structure, the numerical eigenvalue spectrum is analyzed in a first step. This allows to clarify the spectral objects calculated with the method, including radiation modes, and their dependency on the perfectly matched layer parameters. In a second step, numerical dispersion curves of trapped and leaky modes are compared to analytical results.     

The plane problem of an elliptically reinforced circular hole in an anisotropic plate or laminate

Summary  Within the scope of linear elasticity, the in-plane problem of an anisotropic plate or laminate with a circular hole and an elliptical hole reinforcement is considered. Arbitrary anisotropic elastic stiffnesses are allowed for the base plate and the reinforcement material, and for the reinforcement there is no restriction for its elliptical shape and size. The analysis of the problem is performed by the complex potential method with appropriately chosen series representations inside and outside the reinforcement region. The derived closed-form solution provides all resultant in-plane stresses and deformations within and around the hole reinforcement with little computational effort and at high accuracy. The determined solution allows a proper and effective assessment of hole reinforcements for many technical applications. Received 26 June 2000; accepted for publication 26 September 2000     

Explicit expression of polarization vector for surface waves,slip waves,Stoneley waves and interfacial slip waves in anisotropic elastic materials

We present explicit expression of the polarization vector for surface waves and slip waves in an anisotropic elastic half-space, and Stoneley waves and interfacial slip waves in two dissimilar anisotropic elastic half-spaces. An unexpected result is that, in the case of interfacial slip waves, the polarization vector for the material in the half-space _x2≥0$x_2\ge 0$ does not depend explicitly on the material property in the half-space _x2≤0$x_2\le 0$. It depends on the material property in the half-space _x2≤0$x_2\le 0$ implicitly through the interfacial slip wave speed υ$\upsilon$. The same is true for the polarization vector for the material in the half-space _x2≤0$x_2\le 0$.     

Propagation and interaction of non-linear elastic plane waves in soft solids

Using the perturbation method of weakly non-linear asymptotics we analyze the propagation and interaction of elastic plane waves in a model of a soft solid proposed by Hamilton et al. [Separation of compressibility and shear deformation in the elastic energy density, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116 (2004) 41-44]. We derive the evolution equations for the wave amplitudes and find analytical formulas for all interaction coefficients of quadratically non-linear interacting waves. We show that in spite of the assumption of almost incompressibility used in Hamilton et al. [Separation of compressibility and shear deformation in the elastic energy density, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116 (2004) 41-44], the model behaves essentially like that of a compressible isotropic material. Both the structure of the equations and the interaction patterns are similar. The models differ, however, in the elastic constants that characterize them, and hence the values of the coefficients in the evolution equations and the values of the interaction coefficients differ.