Torsional wave propagation in an inhomogeneous crustal layer over an inhomogeneous elastic half space

Abstract

AbstractThe present study considers the propagation of torsional wave in an inhomogeneous crustal layer over an inhomogeneous half space when the upper boundary plane is assumed to be rigid. The inhomogeneity in density and rigidity in the crustal layer varies linearly with depth, whereas for the elastic half space, the inhomogeneity in density and rigidity is hyperbolic. The dispersion relation for propagation of such waves is derived by using Whittaker’s function. When the upper boundary plane is assumed to be free and in the absence of inhomogeneity of the crustal layer and lower half space, our derived equation is in agreement with the general equation for Love waves. Numerically, it is observed that the velocity of torsional wave changes remarkably with the presence of inhomogeneity parameter of the layer.