Effect of surface stresses on surface waves in elastic solids

This paper deals with the propagation of surface waves in homogeneous, elastic solid media whose free surfaces or interfaces of separation are capable of supporting their own stress fields. The general theory for the propagation of surface waves in a medium which supports surface stresses is first deduced, and then this theory is employed to investigate the particular cases of surface waves, viz. (a) Rayleigh waves, (b) Love waves and (c) Stoneley waves. It is seen that the Rayleigh waves become dispersive in nature; and, in case of low frequency with residual surface tension, a critical wavelength exists, below which the propagation of Rayleigh waves is not possible. This critical wave length is directly proportional to the surface tension. Some numerical calculations have been made in the case of Love waves and conclusions have been drawn.