Elastodynamic response of contacting fluid and solid half-spaces to a three-dimensional point load

Abstract

The dynamic response of contacting fluid and solid elastic half-spaces to a point load is addressed. The problem considered is the three-dimensional one in which the point load acts in the fluid or in the solid in an arbitrary direction. Integral expressions of displacements and stresses are obtained by using integral transform techniques, and techniques for numerical evaluation are discussed. Results are presented for time harmonic and impulsive loads acting in both the solid and the fluid. Surface and subsurface displacements are compared for fluid half-spaces of water and air. This comparison shows the effect of wavefield coupling at the interface.