Effect of Micropolarity, Microstretch and Relaxation times on Rayleigh Surface Waves in Thermoelastic Solids

The present paper is an investigation on the propagation of Rayleigh surface waves in a homogeneous, isotropic, thermally conducting microstretch elastic solid half-space in the context of non classical (generalized) theories of thermoelasticity. The secular equations in closed form and isolated mathematical conditions are derived for Rayleigh wave propagation in such solids. The amplitude ratios of surface displacements, temperature change, microrotation and microstretch during the Rayleigh wave propagation on the surface of half-space have also been computed analytically. The paths of surface particles are found to be elliptical during the motion. The expressions for semi-axes, eccentricity and inclination of wave normal with major axes of the ellipses are also derived. In order to illustrate the analytical developments, the numerical solution is carried out for aluminum–epoxy material. The computer simulated results in respect of phase velocity, attenuation coefficient, specific loss factor and thermomechanical coupling factor are presented graphically. This study may find applications in the design of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, structural health monitoring and damage characterization of materials.