Theoretical model of Rayleigh wave interaction with stripes of viscous liquids

The problem of Rayleigh surface wave transmission and reflection by stripes of viscous liquid is considered using a Maxwellian model of viscosity characterised by a single relaxation time. The aim is to interpret experiments on surface acoustic wave monitoring of the wetting of high-energy solid surfaces (G. McHale et al., Furaday. Discuss., 1997, 107, 27-38). These experiments demonstrated a strong oscillatory behaviour of both transmission and reflection coefficients as the area occupied by the liquid increased with time. The variable thickness of the liquid is taken into account and analmcal results and numerical calculations are presented.