Diffraction of surface waves on an inhomogeneous elastic plate

Abstract

The oblique incidence of small-amplitude waves on an elastic semi-infinite composite plate floating on the free surface of finite-depth water is studied. The front part of a constant-width plate is highed to the basic part and has characteristics different from those of the basic part. The reflection and transmission coefficients of the waves and the vertical displacements of the plate are determined. It is shown that the heterogeneity of the plate material exerts a strong effect on surface-wave diffraction. Methods for decreasing the elastic deformations of the basic part of the plate are proposed.