Self–orthogonal sextic formalism for simple reflection and mode conversion at the free surface of an anisotropic elastic half–space

Abstract

Simple reflection and mode conversion of acoustic waves at a free surface of a semi–infinite anisotropic elastic medium are investigated using the Stroh sextic formalism. By introducing new sets of self–orthogonal wavefunctions in the self–orthogonal sextic formalism, we establish a series of linear dependence relations which enable us to analyse various kinds of simple reflection and mode conversion under a unified theoretical framework. It is shown that the properties of simple reflection and mode conversion can be described in terms of three independent constants.