A simple and explicit algebraic expression for the Rayleigh wave velocity

In this note a factorization technique based on the theory of the Riemann problem is used to derive a compact algebraic formula for the velocity of Rayleigh waves. Unlike previous results based on rationalization and Cardan’s solution of a cubic, the present formulation leads to a formula for the velocity which is a continuous function of the Poission’s ratio and yet is simple enough to be of practical interest. The new formula also enables us to express the complex roots associated with the Rayleigh wave equation as simple functions of the Rayleigh wave velocity.