Torsional wave propagation in a sandy layer under initial stress over an inhomogeneous half-space

In the present work, the possibility of torsional surface waves in dry sandy layer under initial stress over an inhomogeneous half-space has been carried out. The inhomogeneities in the lower semi-infinite media arise due to the polynomial variation of rigidity and density. The closed form expression for the dispersion relation of this proposed layer has been delineated by means of separation of variable method in the form of Whittaker function and its derivative retaining up to linear term. An extensive analysis has been achieved through numerical computation which explores the influence of inhomogeneity, initial stresses, sandy parameter on the torsional wave propagation have also been exhibited graphically. The obtained dispersion relation is in perfect agreement with the classical Love wave equation when derived as in particular cases. Using MATLAB software GUI has been evolved to generalize the effect of various parameters. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.