Effect of phase-lags on Rayleigh wave propagation in thermoelastic medium with mass diffusion

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the propagation of Rayleigh waves in thermoelastic medium with mass diffusion. Design/methodology/approach - The field equations for the linear theory of homogeneous isotropic thermoelastic diffusion medium are taken into consideration by using dual-phase-lag heat transfer (DPLT) and dual-phase-lag diffusion (DPLD) models. Using the potential functions and harmonic wave solution, three coupled dilatational waves and a shear wave is obtained. After developing mathematical formulation, the dispersion equation is obtained, which results to be complex and irrational. This equation is converted into a polynomial form of higher degree. Findings - From the polynomial equation, Rayleigh wave root is found. The secular equation is resolved into a polynomial form to find the roots and therefore to find the existence and propagation of Rayleigh wave. The existence of Rayleigh wave in the assumed model depends on the values of various parameters involved in the secular equation. These roots are resolved for phase velocity and attenuation of the inhomogeneous propagation of Rayleigh wave. Behavior of particle motion of these waves inside and at the surface of the thermoelastic medium with mass diffusion is studied. Particular cases of the interest are also deduced from the present investigation. Originality/value - Governing equations corresponding to DPLT and DPLD models of thermoelastic diffusion are formulated to study the wave propagation and their dependence on various material parameters. In this paper effects of thermal and diffusion phase lags on the phase velocity, attenuation and on particle paths are observed and depicted graphically.