Dynamics of a prestressed stiff layer on an elastic half space: filtering and band gap characteristics of periodic structural models derived from long-wave asymptotics

Anti-plane and plane-strain, time-harmonic, small-amplitude vibrations of an elastic layer on an elastic half space are considered, superimposed upon a state of finite, uniform stress and strain. A (compressible) elastic material is considered, orthotropic with orthotropy axes aligned parallel and orthogonal both to the layer and the prestress principal directions. A non-uniform mass density is assumed in the layer. A formal long-wave asymptotic solution is derived under the assumptions of high contrast between the stiffnesses of the layer and the half space and between certain prestress components and the current elastic shear modulus. It is shown that (i) the layer asymptotically behaves as a beam subject to transversal and axial vibrations (ii) the response of the half space can be found in a closed-form, under the assumption of plane wave motion (which becomes consistent when the density of the layer is uniform), otherwise it is represented by a hypersingular integral equation; (iii) if the nonlocality introduced by the hypersingular integral equation is restricted to an influence area of finite extent, the integral can be analytically approximated, so that a Winkler-type spring model representing the half space is rigorously derived. For uniform density of the layer, the constants defining the spring model are given as functions of the prestress and anisotropy parameters of the half space; and, finally, (iv) the asymptotic solution provides new analytical expressions for incremental displacement of the layer, which, compared to the exact numerical solution (also included), are shown to perform quite well, even for values of parameters much beyond the limits imposed by the asymptotic analysis. The asymptotic analysis allows us to explore, for the first time, dynamic properties of a periodic layer bonded to an elastic half space and subject to a uniform prestress state. We find that the system exhibits band gaps (ranges of forbidden frequencies) and that the prestress can be used as a parameter tuning the filtering properties of the structure, an effect which may have important consequences in the design of resonant devices. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.