Transient scattering of Rayleigh waves by surface-breaking and sub-surface cracks

The goal of this paper is to enhance the theoretical understanding of the mechanism of Rayleigh wave scattering by surface-breaking and sub-surface cracks. The problem is analyzed in frequency domain by a hybrid method combining the finite element discretization of the near-field with the boundary integral representation of the far-field. Time histories are then obtained by inverting the response spectra using a fast Fourier transform routine. The surface displacements, crack opening displacements and stress intensity factors are presented. The results provide essential features about the scattering of Rayleigh waves by cracks. This problem is of interest both for ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation and for fracture mechanics studies. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd