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Basic Concepts

Harmonic Loading

Impedance Ratio

Transfer Function

Numerical Solution

Fourier Analysis

 

 

Dr. Layer 1.0
An Introduction to the Theory of Wave Propagation in Layer Media

Introduction

Welcome to Dr. Layer Theory. This section is designed to provide an overview of basic theoretical concepts on 1-D wave propagation. The material is organized in six thematic lessons each one covering specific concepts on wave propagation. The lessons complement the exercises section and have been selected to help the reader understand the fundamental concepts that are explored in the exercises. The lessons cover the following topics:

Basic Concepts
Introduces the concepts of mechanical waves, wave speed, and wave number.

Harmonic Loading
Introduces the concept of traveling waves, complex representation of motion, standing waves, and modes of vibration.

Impedance Ratio
Introduces the concepts of reflection and refraction at an interface, defines the concept of impedance ratio coefficients, and addresses some important issues associated with impedance ratio phenomena.

Transfer Function
In this lesson, transfer functions are derived for a series of successively more complicated geotechnical conditions. Three simple cases are used to illustrate some of the important effects of soil deposits on ground motion characteristics without undue mathematical complexity.

Numerical Solution
This lesson introduces basic numerical time-stepping solution methods that can be used for the numerical solution of the wave equation.

Fourier Analysis
This lesson introduces the basic ingredients required to perform an analysis in the frequency domain. The FFT concept is investigated and some illustrated examples are used to illustrate its significance and applicability.

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 Last Updated:
11/21/00

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