An improved approximation for the Rayleigh wave equation

We derive a simple expression, which gives an approximate value of the Rayleigh wave velocity in an isotropic solid. This approximation is five times better than that given by Viktorov. The velocity equation can be easily inverted in order to obtain an accurate determination of the elastic constants. This procedure can be worthwhile for elastic microanalysis of bulk materials by scanning acoustic microscopy. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.