Plane SH Waves Research Articles

Antiplane scattering of SH waves by a circular cavity in an exponentially graded half space

In this study, an analytical solution of antiplane scattering of plane SH waves by a circular cavity in an exponentially graded material is obtained via the complex variable method and image technique, and dynamic response of the interface and the cavity is investigated. The medium is a bimaterial with a semi-infinite homogeneous part and an exponentially graded half space containing a circular cavity. The study provides a treatment to the orthogonality of boundary conditions along the half surface and the cavity periphery. Based on Helmholtz decomposition, the stress and displacement components are expressed by complex variables. The scattered waves by the interface surface are regarded as transmitting from the origin of the cavity and its image. These waves can be also satisfy the far-field radiation conditions. The boundary value problem results in a set of infinite algebraic equations which can be solved straightforwardly. Finally, parametric study shows that the inhomogeneous parameter, the dimensionless frequency of the incident waves and the distance-radius ratio of the cavity have significant effect on dynamic response of the medium.

Soil-structure interaction on shallow rigid circular foundation: plane SH waves from far-field earthquakes

A closed-form wave function analytic solution of two-dimensional scattering and diffraction of incident plane SH-waves by a flexible wall on a rigid shallow circular foundation embedded in an elastic half-space is presented. This research generalizes the previous solution by Trifunac in 1972, which tackled only the semi-circular foundation, to arbitrary shallow circular-arc foundation cases, and is thus comparatively more realistic. Ground surface displacement spectra at higher frequencies are also obtained. As an analytical series solution, the accuracy and error analysis of the numerical results are also discussed. It was observed from the results that the rise-to-span ratio of the foundation profile, frequency of incident waves, and mass ratios of different media (foundation-structure-soil) are the three primary factors that may affect the surface ground motion amplitudes near the structure.

Surface Motion of Two Canyons for Incident SH Waves by Hybrid Method

The responses to an incident plane SH wave on or near a surface included two canyons which is embedded in an elastic half-plane are investigated. A hybrid method combines the finite element method with series expansion is applied to solve the scattering problems in this study. A subregion encloses the two canyons with a semi-circular auxiliary boundary can be meshed by the finite element method. By using the transfinite interpolation (TFI) produces excellent grid mesh on the subregion. The hybrid method is successfully herein to solve the scattering problem.

3D Diffraction of obliquely incident SH waves by twin infinitely long cylindrical cavities in layered poroelastic half-space

This paper studies three-dimensional diffraction of obliquely incident plane SH waves by twin infinitely long cylindrical cavities in layered poroelastic half-space using indirect boundary element method. The approach is validated by comparison with the literature, and the effects of cavity interval, incident frequency, and boundary drainage condition on the diffraction are studied through numerical examples. It is shown that, the interaction between two cavities is significant and surface displacement peaks become large when two cavities are close, and the surface displacement may be significantly amplified by twin cavities, and the influence range with large amplification can be as wide as 40 times of the cavity radius. Surface displacements in dry poroelastic case and saturated poroelastic cases with drained and undrained boundaries are evidently different under certain circumstances, and the differences may be much larger than those in the free-field response.

Scattering of SH Waves by a Truncated Semi-Elliptic Canyon

ABSTRACTIn this study, the region-point-matching technique (RPMT) is applied to examine the scattering problem of truncated semi-elliptic canyons under plane SH-wave excitation. The partition of the entire analyzed region into two subregions is carried out via an introduction of the elliptic-arc auxiliary boundary. Taking advantage of appropriate wavefunctions in elliptic coordinates, the expression of antiplane motions for each subregion can be obtained. To accomplish the indispensable coordinate shift, thecoordinate-transformed relation, intended as a substitute for the addition theorem involving Mathieu functions, is well utilized. Integration of thecoordinate-transformed relationinto the RPMT brings about the rapid construction of simultaneous equations. Effects of pertinent parameters on steady-state and transient surface motions are demonstrated. Computed results show that, for horizontal incidence, the potential high level of ground shaking may occur near the illuminated upper corner of the canyon. In such a small localized region, due to the occurrence of constructive interference between the reflected waves from the horizontal ground surface and the scattered waves from the corners of the canyon, the peak amplifaction may be at least two times that of free-field response.

Scattering of SH waves induced by a symmetrical V-shaped canyon: a unified analytical solution

This paper reports a series solution of wave functions for two-dimensional scattering and diffraction of plane SH waves induced by a symmetrical V-shaped canyon with different shape ratios. A half-space with a symmetrical V-shaped canyon is divided into two sub-regions by using a circular-arc auxiliary boundary. The two sub-regions are represented by global and local cylindrical coordinate systems, respectively. In each coordinate system, the wave field satisfying the Helmholtz equation is represented by the separation of variables method, in terms of the series of both Bessel functions and Hankel functions with unknown complex coefficients. Then, the two wave fields are described in the local coordinate system using the Graf addition theorem. Finally, the unknown coefficients are sought by satisfying the continuity conditions of the auxiliary boundary. To consider the phase characteristics of the wave scattering, a parametric analysis is carried out in the time domain by assuming an incident signal of the Ricker type. Surface and subsurface transient responses demonstrate the characteristics and mechanisms of wave propagating and scattering.

Effects of the site dynamic characteristics on soil–structure interaction (I): Incident SH-Waves

In this paper, the role that the site dynamic characteristics play in soil–structure interaction is studied on a simple model in which the site is represented as a soil layer over bedrock (half-space), and using the indirect boundary-element method (IBEM). For the purpose of comparison with published analytical solutions, the structure is represented as a shear wall supported by a semi-circular rigid foundation, subjected to incident plane SH waves. The accuracy of the method is verified, numerical results are analyzed, and the model response is compared with earthquake observations at the Hollywood Storage Building. It is shown that the effects of dynamic soil–structure interaction may become more significant near the characteristic frequencies of the site, and that the resonance of the system shifts to lower frequencies. The thickness of the soil layer, the stiffness of the bedrock, and the mass and the stiffness of the superstructure all influence the values of the system frequencies and system amplitudes.

Scattering of SH waves induced by a non-symmetrical V-shaped canyon

SUMMARY Topographies have significant effects on seismic waves. The wavefunction expansion method has been frequently employed to study the topographic effect because this method can reveal the physics of the wave scattering and can testify the accuracy of numerical methods. The 2-D scattering and diffraction of plane SH waves induced by a non-symmetrical V-shaped canyon is examined here by using the wavefunction expansion method. Through a new domain decomposition strategy, the half-space containing a V-shaped canyon is divided into three subregions. Then the wavefield for every subregion is constructed in terms of an infinite series of wavefunctions with unknown coefficients in three coordinate systems, respectively. After that, three wavefields are all represented in the same coordinate system using the Graf addition theorem. The unknown coefficients are obtained by satisfying the continuity conditions of the auxiliary boundary. The proposed series solution of wavefunctions for a non-symmetrical V-shaped canyon can be reduced to a symmetrical case. Results in this study for the symmetrical case agree very well with those in the published literature. To show the effects of the non-symmetrical-geometry topography on the surface ground motion, a parametric study is carried out in the frequency domain. Surface and subsurface transient responses in the time domain demonstrate the phenomenon of wave propagating and scattering. Finally, the proposed model is successfully applied to two idealized cross sections of Pacoima canyon and Feitsui canyon.

Site effects in an alpine valley with strong velocity gradient: Interest and limitations of the ‘classical’ BEM

Seismic waves may be strongly amplified in deep alluvial basins due to the velocity contrast (or velocity gradient) between the various layers as well as the basin edge effects. In this work, the seismic ground motion in a deep alpine valley (Grenoble basin, French Alps) is investigated through various ‘classical’ Boundary Element models. This deep valley has a peculiar geometry (“Y”-shaped) and involves a strong velocity gradient between surface geological structures. In the framework of a numerical benchmark [21–23], a representative cross-section of the valley has been proposed to investigate 2D site effects through various numerical methods. The ‘classical’ Boundary Element Method is considered herein to model the strong velocity gradient with a 2D piecewise homogeneous medium.For a large incidence angle, the transfer functions estimated from plane SH waves are close to the one computed with shallow SH point sources. The fundamental frequency is estimated at 0.33Hz (SH wave) and the agreement with previous experimental results (spectral ratios) is good. Comparisons between 1D and 2D amplification are then performed: the values of the fundamental frequency and the corresponding amplitude are larger in 2D. Converting frequency domain results into the time domain, we underline surface waves generated at the valley edges and the directivity effect for the amplified wave-field. In the time domain for plane SV-wave, we also computed the ground motion for a strong seismic event (M=6): time duration and peak ground velocity are found to be 3 times larger than for the input signal. Such 2D models involving basin effects are then capable to recover the high amplification level measured in the field. Nevertheless, to deal with complex 3D basins as also proposed in the “ESG” benchmark [21–23], the capabilities of the classical Boundary Element Method are limited. As shown recently [43,47,52], such improvements as the fast multipole formulation (FM-BEM) may be a promising alternative for future 3D simulations.

Conditions for the occurence of unphysical negative values of the anelastic SH plane wave energy-based transmission coefficient

Consider a plane homogeneous harmonic SH wave incident upon an interface between two anelastic half-spaces. Computing the plane wave displacement and energy-flux-based reflection and transmission coefficients correctly requires determining the proper signs of the vertical slowness components of all the reflected and transmitted waves, i.e., determining which of the two values of the square root for a given vertical slowness should be chosen. For anelastic media, this can be problematic, as unphysical results can arise. Previous research has led to a specific recommendation on how to choose the signs. However, when this recommendation is employed, it is found via numerical experimentation that for certain values of the medium parameters, the energy-flux-based transmission coefficient T can be negative for certain supercritical values of the incidence angle, whereas physical reasoning suggests it should be zero. To investigate this seemingly unphysical result, an analytical determination of the mathematical conditions under which it occurs would be useful. Such a determination is performed in this article. Letting V 1 and V 2 be the wave speeds of homogeneous SH plane waves in the incidence and transmission media respectively, and Q 1 and Q 2 be the corresponding quality factors, with Q 1, Q 2 ≫ 1, it is found that if V 1 < V 2 and Q 1 < Q 2 (a common situation in the Earth), then T will be negative for part of the supercritical incidence angle range if 1 < Q 2/Q 1 ≤ 2 − (V 1/V 2)2 and for all of it if 2 (V 1/V 2)2 < Q 2/Q 1.

SH-wave propagation and scattering in periodically layered composites with a damaged layer

Plane SH-wave propagation in periodically layered elastic composites with a damaged layer is investigated. Two different models are developed to approximate the damaged layer, namely, a periodic array of cracks and continuously distributed springs in the layer. In the first model, the total wave field in the elastic stack of layers with cracks is described as a sum of incident wave field modeled by the transfer matrix method and the scattered wave field governed by an integral representation in terms of the crack-opening-displacements on the crack-faces. The integral equation derived from the boundary conditions on the crack-faces is solved numerically by a Galerkin method. By using Bloch–Floquet theorem the crack-opening-displacements for a periodic array of cracks are expressed by the crack-opening-displacement on a reference crack. In the spring model, the spring constant is estimated by the material properties and the crack density and the modified transfer matrix method is used to compute the wave reflection and transmission coefficients. Numerical results obtained by both models are presented and discussed. Special attention of the analysis is devoted to wave transmissions and reflections, band gaps, wave localization and resonance phenomena due to damages. The influences of the damage types (periodic cracks and stochastic cracks approximated by distributed springs) on the wave field pattern and the band gaps are analyzed.

Transmission and band gaps of elastic SH waves in functionally graded periodic laminates

Time-harmonic plane elastic SH-waves propagating in periodically laminated composites with functionally graded (FG) interlayers are investigated in this paper. A finite stack of periodic layers between two identical elastic half-planes is considered. Two different power laws are used to describe the property variation of the FG interlayers within the unit-cell. Two different models are developed to deal with the FG interlayers, namely, the explicit FG model and the multilayer model. In conjunction with the transfer matrix method, the wave reflection and transmission coefficients, and band gaps of the FG periodic laminates are computed. Numerical results are presented and discussed to reveal the influences of the FG and homogeneous interlayers, the incidence angle of time-harmonic plane SH wave on the location and width of band gaps. The explicit FG model developed in this study is accurate and capable to simulate the full wave pattern within the periodic laminates, and it can be easily extended to periodic laminates with defects. The corresponding results presented in this paper may have important applications in optimizing and developing novel acoustic devices such as wave filters and noise insulators.

Surface motion of a semi-elliptical hill for incident plane SH waves

A closed-form analytical solution of surface motion of a semi-elliptical cylindrical hill for incident plane SH waves is presented. Although some previous analytical work had already dealt with hill topography of semi-circular and shallow circular, our work aims at calculating surface motion of very prolate hill for high incident frequency, and explaining the special vibrating properties of very prolate hill. Accuracy of the solution is checked by boundary conditions, numerical results for surface motion of oblate and prolate hills are calculated, and some conclusions are obtained.

Dynamic Stress Concentration Analysis of Multiple Circular Cavities near Multiple Semi-Cylindrical Alluvial Valleys

The problem of dynamic response of multiple circular cavities near multiple semi-cylindrical alluvial valleys under incident plane SH-waves is investigated by the methods of complex function and multi-polar coordinates in this paper. Firstly, the solution domain is divided into two parts, Domain I is multiple semi-cylindrical alluvial valleys, and Domain Ⅱ is an elastic half space with several subsurface circular cavities near multiple semi-cylindrical alluvial valleys. A series of infinite algebraic equations is then obtained based on the displacement and stress continuity condition on “common boundary” of two parts after constructing the associated displacement and stresses expressions of each part. Finally some numerical expamples are prensented and dynamic response of subsurface circular cavities near semi-cylindrical alluvial valleys with respect to different parameters is discussed.

Ground Motion of Non-Circular Alluvial Valley for Incident Plane SH-Wave

The seismic ground motions are studied in an infinite half-space with a non-circular alluvial valley under time harmonic incident anti-plane shear waves. Based on the conformal mapping method and Fourier series expansions, the conditions of displacement continuity and stress equilibrium at the interface of alluvial valley are set as semi-circular alluvial valley in conformal plane, then the result is obtained by constructing a set of infinite linear algebraic equations with boundary discretization. The unknown coefficients in the algebraic system can be easily determined. The present method is treated as a semi-analytical solution since error only attributes to the truncation of Fourier series. Earthquake analysis for the site response of alluvial valley or canyon subject to the incident SH-wave is the main concern. Numerical examples for semi-elliptic alluvial valley are given to test our program. The research indicates that great interaction exists between the alluvial valley and the horizontal surface, which will bring on great influence on ground motion. Therefore enough importance must be attached to the existing of subsurface cavity while finishing seismic design.

SH-wave propagation and resonance phenomena in a periodically layered composite structure with a crack

This paper presents a dynamic analysis of time-harmonic plane SH-waves propagating in periodically multilayered elastic composites with a strip-like crack. The total wave field in the multilayered elastic structure is described as a sum of incident wave field modeled by the transfer matrix method and the scattered wave field governed by an integral representation containing the crack-opening-displacement. The integral equation derived from the boundary conditions on the crack-faces is solved numerically by a Galerkin method. The paper focuses on resonant and non-resonant regimes of anti-plane wave motion in a stack of elastic layers weakened by a single strip-like crack and wave localization in the vicinity of the crack. The scattered extra displacement induced by the presence of the crack is investigated in detail for both situations of high and low contrast in material properties. Numerical results for the average crack-opening-displacement, the transmission coefficient, the stress intensity factor and the average energy flow are presented and discussed to reveal wave resonance and localization phenomena within the band-gaps and the pass-bands.

SH wave diffraction and resonances in periodic structures with super-thin inhomogeneities

Propagation of a time-harmonic plane SH wave and its diffraction in periodic layered elastic composites with both a single infinitesimally thin inhomogeneity and an array of inhomogeneities (cracks, rigid inclusions) are analyzed. The mathematical model is based on an integral approach, a system of boundary integral equations, and a T-matrix; the commonly used spring model is also applied for a damaged composite. The resonances and wave localization in the vicinity of obstacles are focused.

2.5D scattering of incident plane SH waves by a canyon in layered half-space

This paper presents 2.5D scattering of incident plane SH waves by a canyon in layered half-space by the indirect boundary element method (IBEM). The free field response is carried out to give the displacements and stresses on the line which forms boundary of the canyon. The fictitious uniform moving loads are applied to the same line to calculate the Green’s functions for the displacements and stresses. The amplitudes of the loads are determined by the boundary conditions. The displacements due to the free field and from the fictitious uniform moving loads have to be added to obtain the whole motion. The numerical results are carried out for the cases of a canyon in homogenous and in one layer over bedrock. The results show that the 2.5D wave scattering problem is essentially different from the 2D case, and there exist distinct differences between the wave amplification by a canyon in layered half-space and that in homogeneous half-space. The reasons for the distinct difference are explored, and the effects of the thickness and stiffness of the layer on the amplification are discussed.

Diffraction of plane SH waves by a semi-circular cavity in half-space

This paper presents a closed-form solution for diffraction of plane SH waves by a semi-circular cavity in half-space by using wave function expansion method. Accuracy of the solution is checked by the displacement residual and stress residual along the boundaries. Numerical results show that there are notable differences for response amplitudes between a semi-circular cavity and a whole-circular cavity in a half-space.

SH Waves in a Transversely Isotropic Medium-I

Summary In a transversely isotropic medium plane SH waves, polarized parallel to the plane of isotropy, are propagated with phase velocity (normal to the wave front) I/ = (v,,~ cos2c+ v,’ sin2e), where V, and V, are shear wave velocities perpendicular and parallel to the plane of isotropy, and e is the angle of incidence on that plane. The direction of energy propagation, on the other hand, is in general not normal to the wave front but in the direction of the radius vector from the origin to the wave surface, which is the envelope, at time t = 1, of plane waves which all passed through the origin at time t = 0. The velocity of energy propagation, which is here the group velocity, has magnitude u = (vV4 cos2e+ v,,~ sin2e)f/V. Expressions for I/ and U in terms of ray direction are derived, and also the modified form of Snell’s Law for refraction. We show that when the seismic velocity is calculated from travel times and hypocentral distances it is U, not V, which is obtained.