The equation of motion for small displacements u(x,t) in a homogeneous, isotropic, elastic medium of density ρ is
ρ∂t2∂2u=(λ+μ)∇(∇⋅u)+μ∇2u
where λ and μ are the Lamé constants. Show that the dilatation ∇⋅u and rotation ∇∧u each satisfy wave equations, and determine the corresponding wave speeds cP and cS.
Show also that a solution of the form u=Aexp[i(k⋅x−ωt)] satisfies
ω2A=cP2k(k⋅A)−cS2k∧(k∧A)
Deduce the dispersion relation and the direction of polarization relative to k for plane harmonic P-waves and plane harmonic S-waves.
Now suppose the medium occupies the half-space z⩽0 and that the boundary z=0 is stress free. Show that it is possible to find a self-sustained combination of evanescent P-waves and SV-waves (i.e. a Rayleigh wave), proportional to exp [ik(x−ct)] and propagating along the boundary, provided the wavespeed c satisfies
(2−cS2c2)2=4(1−cS2c2)1/2(1−cP2c2)1/2
[You are not required to show that this equation has a solution.]