Aspects of bifurcation in an isotropic elastic continuum with orthotropic inelastic interface

This manuscript investigates possible bifurcations into stationary wave-type solutions in situations where an isotropic elastic bulk is bonded by a non-coherent orthotropic interface to a rigid substrate. The interface is characterised by a traction–separation-law capturing elastic and inelastic material behaviour. Based on an ansatz for stationary waves at the surface of the bulk being connected to the interface, a bifurcation condition is elaborated. Thereby, the orthotropy of the interface is taken into account by considering the fully three-dimensional elastic half space and allowing for arbitrary orientations of the stationary wave-type solutions with respect to the interface co-ordinate system. The bifurcation condition is studied under the assumption of prevailing ellipticity in the bulk for a number of different examples. The results are graphically explored.