Complex-valued wavenumber, reflection and transmission in an elastic solid containing a cracked slab region (Q1282647)

We investigate the propagation of ultrasonic or seismic waves in an elastic solid where slit cracks are randomly distributed. The distribution has a uniform probability density in a slab region, the cracks are parallel to the boundaries of the slab, and the solid is uncracked on either side of the slab. When an anti-plane wave is normally incident upon the cracks, it is shown that the average (coherent) motion is governed by two coupled integral equations. These equations are solved assuming that the average exciting stress near a fixed crack is equal to the average total stress. Inside the slab, where multiple scattering occurs, there is a forward motion and a backward motion. The velocity and attenuation of the two motions are given by simple formulae that depend on the frequency and crack density. Simple formulae, which depend on the frequency, crack density, and slab thickness, are also obtained for the wave amplitudes outside the slab.