Pulse Propagation in a Laterally Heterogeneous Solid Elastic Sphere

Abstract

The motion of a solid elastic sphere caused by an impulsive point source has been calculated by a finite difference scheme. Results are obtained for a radially and laterally heterogeneous sphere. Both discontinuous changes in elastic parameters and density, and their continuous variation inside the sphere are treated. The results show reflection and diffraction effects. A stability analysis for the finite difference scheme in spherical co‐ordinates is given. The method of solution presented here is general enough to include the actual variations in density and elastic parameters in the Earth. This includes the well‐known models of radial distribution and the recently observed lateral inhomogeneity in the mantle. Copyright © 1970, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved