ABSTRACT

Elastic Waves: High Frequency Theory is concerned with mathematical aspects of the theory of high-frequency elastic waves, which is based on the ray method. The foundations of elastodynamics are presented along with the basic theory of plane and spherical waves. The ray method is then described in considerable detail for bulk waves in isotropic and anisotropic media, and also for the Rayleigh waves on the surface of inhomogeneous anisotropic elastic solids. Much attention is paid to analysis of higher-order terms and to generation of waves in inhomogeneous media. The aim of the book is to present a clear, systematic description of the ray method, and at the same time to emphasize its mathematical beauty. Luckily, this beauty is usually not accompanied by complexity and mathematical ornateness.