SH-wave velocity in a fiber-reinforced anisotropic layer overlying a gravitational heterogeneous half-space

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence of SH-waves in fiber-reinforced layer placed over a heterogeneous elastic half-space. Design/methodology/approach - The heterogeneity of the elastic half-space is caused by the exponential variations of density and rigidity. As a special case when both the layers are homogeneous, the derived equation is in agreement with the general equation of Love wave. Findings - Numerically, it is observed that the velocity of SH-waves decreases with the increase of heterogeneity and reinforced parameters. The dimensionless phase velocity of SH-waves increases with the decreases of dimensionless wave number and shown through figures. Originality/value - In this work, SH-wave in a fiber-reinforced anisotropic medium overlying a heterogeneous gravitational half-space has been investigated analytically and numerically. The dispersion equation for the propagation of SH-waves has been observed in terms of Whittaker function and its derivative of second degree order. It has been observed that on the removal of heterogeneity of half-space, and reinforced parameters of the layer, the derived dispersion equation reduces to Love wave dispersion equation thereby validates the solution of the problem. The equation of propagation of Love wave in fiber-reinforced medium over a heterogeneous half-space given by relevant authors is also reduced from the obtained dispersion relation under the considered geometry.