Investigation of Scholte and Stoneley waves in multi-layered systems

Abstract

Interface waves are elastic waves that can propagate at the interface between two solids (Stoneley wave) or between a solid and a liquid (Scholte wave). In this study, properties of generalized Stoneley and Scholte waves are investigated analytically in a multi-layer system with both liquid-solid and solid-solid interfaces. The interface waves are modeled using partial waves in layers with finite thicknesses to trace quasi- and non-dispersive modes. Dispersion curves of the propagating modes and corresponding particle displacement profiles are obtained using numerical solution techniques with the global matrix method. Limiting conditions of quasi-modes are evaluated analytically for thickness and material selection. Furthermore, interference of the two interface waves and plate modes are investigated for small frequency-thickness products in the multi-interface system using dispersion curves and particle displacement profiles. Preliminary sensitivity analyses are also performed for development of multi sensing physical quantities such as temperature, viscosity and density simultaneously using interface waves.