Grid-characteristic method on embedded hierarchical grids and its application in the study of seismic waves

Abstract

The grid-characteristic method on a sequence of embedded hierarchical grids is used to study the reflection and diffraction of elastic seismic waves propagating from an earthquake hypocenter to the Earth’s surface. More specifically, the destruction caused by seismic waves in complex heterogeneous structures, such as multi-story buildings, is analyzed. This study is based on computer modeling with the use of the grid-characteristic method, which provides a detailed description of wave processes in heterogeneous media, takes into account all types of emerging waves, and relies on algorithms that perform well on the boundaries of the integration domain and material interfaces. Applying a sequence of hierarchical grids makes it possible to simulate seismic wave propagation from an earthquake hypocenter to ground facilities of interest—multi-story buildings—and to investigate their seismic resistance.