Love wave in a classical linear elastic half-space covered by a surface layer described by the couple stress theory

A Love wave is derived for a new physical configuration in which a surface layer described by the couple stress theory covers a classical elasticity half-space. The dispersion equation is derived analytically when the thickness of the surface layer approaches zero. The correctness of the dispersion equation is confirmed via the second derivation path, namely the surface elasticity. The membrane with microstructure is described by the surface elasticity which significantly simplifies the derivation. New propagation features deduced from the dispersion curves are discussed.