Propagation of Torsional Waves in a Fiber Composite Layer Lying over an Initially Stressed Viscoelastic Half-Space

Abstract

The present study investigates the possibility of torsional surface wave propagation in a fiber composite layer lying over an initially stressed viscoelastic half-space. The closed-form expression for the dispersion relation and damping equation has been obtained. Viscoelasticity of the lower half-space, reinforcement, wave number, and horizontal compressive/tensile initial stress acting in an initially stressed lower half-space have substantial effect on the dispersion curve. For the sake of comparative study, numerical computation and graphical demonstration have been carried out by considering some of the special cases of the problem in addition to the problem itself. A remarkable finding is that reinforcement in the superficial layer favors more the phase velocity and damped velocity of a torsional surface wave as compared with the reinforced free superficial layer. As a special case of the problem, it is found that the obtained dispersion relation is well in agreement with the classical Love wave equation.