Propagation of Torsional Surface Waves in Heterogeneous Half-Space with Irregular Free Surface

Abstract

This study is an attempt to show the impacts of free surface irregularity on the torsional surface waves propagating in heterogeneous, elastic half-space. The surface irregularity is taken in the parabolic form at the surface of the half-space. The governing equation and corresponding closed form solutions are derived. Then, the phase velocity of torsional surface waves is obtained analytically and the influences of surface irregularity are studied in detail. Numerical results analyzing the torsional surface waves propagation are discussed and presented graphically. The analytical solutions and numerical results reveal that, the surface irregularity and heterogeneity have notable effects on the torsional surface waves propagation in the elastic half-space. Since the Earth crust is heterogeneous medium with irregular surface, thus it is important to consider the effects of heterogeneity and surface irregularity on velocity of torsional surface waves propagating in the Earth medium.