Rayleigh-wave attenuation by a semi-infinite two-dimensional elastic-band-gap crystal

In this paper, we report experiments on the scattering of surface-elastic w aves by a periodic array of cylindrical holes. The experiments were perform ed in a marble quarry by drilling cylindrical holes in two different config urations: honeycomb and triangular lattices. The attenuation spectra of the surface waves show the existence of absolute band gaps for elastic waves i n these semi-infinite two-dimensional crystals. Results are compared with t heoretical calculations based on a scalar-wave approach. The scaling proper ty of the underlying theory has led us to explore the possible application of the results obtained to the attenuation of surface waves in seismic move ments. [S0163-1829(99)07419-6].