Fundamental solutions for variable density two-dimensional elastodynamic problems

Fundamental solutions in the form of free-space Green's functions are devel oped for a class of two-dimensional, variable density elastodynamic problem s. These fundamental solutions are evaluated by means of a coordinate trans formation based on conformal mapping in conjunction with wave decomposition , which allows for both vertical and lateral heterogeneities, and can be us ed within the context of a boundary integral equation formulation analogous to that originally proposed by Cruse and Rizzo (J Math Anal Appl 22 (1968) 244). Finally, a numerical example serves to illustrate the methodology de veloped herein. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.