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Wave computations in irregular layered media using a semidiscrete finite element perturbation method
Author(s) -
Ikeda I.,
Tassoulas J. L.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.2336
Subject(s) - computation , finite element method , perturbation (astronomy) , wave propagation , mathematical analysis , homogeneous , mathematics , computer science , physics , statistical physics , algorithm , optics , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
A technique that takes into account nonparallel interfaces and lateral inhomogeneities as perturbations with respect to a reference, horizontally layered, laterally homogeneous medium and produces approximations of the perturbed wave motion with little additional computation effort is described. The formulation combines a perturbation method with a semidiscrete finite element technique, providing an approximate treatment of wave propagation in irregular layered media. Consistent transmitting boundaries and other semidiscrete hyperelements as well as Green's functions, already available for regular layered media, can be reformulated within the framework of the method. The method is relevant in problems of foundation dynamics, ground response to seismic waves and site characterization. Example problems are presented toward evaluation of the effectiveness of the method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.