Nonlinear modulation of Love waves in a compressible hyperelastic layered half space

Abstract

The derivative expansion method is used to examine the nonlinear modulation of Love waves in a half space covered by a layer of uniform thickness having different mechanical properties. Both half space and layer are assumed to be homogeneous, isotropic and compressible hyperelastic materials. It is shown that the nonlinear modulation of Love waves is governed by the nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation. By taking into account the known properties of the solutions of NLS equation, the possibilities of soliton solutions and the modulational instability of plane waves for various nonlinear material properties of the layer and half space are investigated. It is remarked that the surface envelope solitary waves may exist depending on the nonlinear constitution of the layered half space.