Rayleigh Wave Propagation and Its Wave-mode Coupling with Surface Resonators

Surface Rayleigh wave propagation on a semi-infinite half-space and its wave mode coupling with surface resonators are studied here. The coupling of surface ground motion caused by Rayleigh wave propagation with longitudinal resonant modes of surface resonator induce wide frequency bandgap. Inside bandgap frequencies, the Rayleigh waves are trapped in the resonators and/or converted into bulk shear waves that propagate deep into the ground. The present study is based on a numerical computation approach where the band structure for surface resonator is achieved and a frequency response study is conducted to validate the findings. The Rayleigh wave trapping and wave mode conversion i.e. Rayleigh waves are diverted as bulk waves that travel deep into the ground is demonstrated. The spatial distribution of displacement fields for bandgap frequencies is also presented that shows a significant amount of wave attenuation after interaction with surface resonators. The study provides a detailed insight on Rayleigh wave propagation and its interaction in terms of wave mode coupling with surface resonators.