(i) What is the polarisation P and slowness s of the time-harmonic plane elastic wave u=Aexp[i(k⋅x−ωt)]?
Use the equation of motion for an isotropic homogenous elastic medium,
ρ∂t2∂2u=(λ+2μ)∇(∇⋅u)−μ∇∧(∇∧u)
to show that s⋅s takes one of two values and obtain the corresponding conditions on P. If s is complex show that Re(s)⋅Im(s)=0.
(ii) A homogeneous elastic layer of uniform thickness h,S-wave speed β1 and shear modulus μ1 has a stress-free surface z=0 and overlies a lower layer of infinite depth, S-wave speed β2(>β1) and shear modulus μ2. Show that the horizontal phase speed c of trapped Love waves satisfies β1<c<β2. Show further that
tan[(β12c2−1)1/2kh]=μ1μ2(c2/β12−11−c2/β22)1/2
where k is the horizontal wavenumber.
Assuming that (1) can be solved to give c(k), explain how to obtain the propagation speed of a pulse of Love waves with wavenumber k.