The Effect of Surface Inhomogeneities on the Propagation of Elastic Waves

We investigate the effect of the surface inhomogeneities (defects) on the propagation of the elastic waves in a semi-infinite isotropic solid body (half-space). A perturbation-theoretical scheme is devised for small surface defects (in comparison with the relevant elastic disturbances propagating in the body), and the elastic waves equations are solved in the first-order approximation. It is shown that surface defects generate both scattered waves localized (and propagating only) on the surface (two-dimensional waves) and scattered waves reflected back in the body. Directional effects, wave slowness and attenuation by diffusive scattering, or possible resonance effects are discussed.