Propagation of Torsional surface waves in an inhomogeneous anisotropic fluid saturated porous layered half space under initial stress with varying properties

Abstract

We study the behavior of torsional surface waves when they propagate through inhomogeneous fluid saturated porous layer over a homogeneous porous half space. The layer has three types of inhomogeneity, viz; linear, quadratic and exponential, varies with depth as rigidity, density and initial stress. We assume both media under compressive initial stresses and the analysis is based on the Biot’s theory. The effect of inhomogeneity of the layer in the propagation of torsional surface waves have been studied. The dispersion equations are derived for each case and solved by an iterative method (Newton–Raphson method). It is observed from the numerical calculation that the presence of initial stress and inhomogeneity of the medium affect significantly to the phase velocity of torsional surface waves. Also, propagation of torsional surface waves depend upon the medium in which they propagate as torsional surface waves propagate fastly in presence of elastic half space in comparison to porous half space.