Dispersion Curves Computation for Waveguides Buried in Infinite Space by Semi-Analytical Finite Element Method

AbstractA semi-analytical finite element method is presented to compute dispersion curves of plane strain waves in waveguides buried in infinite space system. The waveguide is approximated by finite elements while its surrounding medium by evanescent bulk wave field. The dispersion curves are finally obtained from an eigenvalue equation. The method requires the buried waveguide system has a uniform physical and geometric property along its propagation axis; however, its cross-section may be isotropic, anisotropic, homogeneous or heterogeneous. The formulation and its computer program are verified by comparing with the available results obtained using a global matrix based method