Numerical simulation of stress waves on surface of strongly heterogeneous media

In this paper, the propagation of stress waves in a strongly heterogeneous medium is examined numerically. Low-density inclusions are used to model cracks in a stiff matrix. The volume content of inclusions affects, to a great extent, the shape and the velocity of the propagating wave. Additionally, the pattern and orientation of the simulated cracks relative to the propagation direction influences the individual wave modes (longitudinal and Rayleigh) in different ways. The aim of this study is to shed light on surface-wave propagation in damaged cementitious materials to establish new features similar to or more sensitive than longitudinal velocity for damage characterization.