Finite Difference Wavefield Simulation for 2D Elastic Wave Equation in Homogeneous Isotropic Media

Finite difference wavefield simulation for the 2D elastic wave equation in homogeneous isotropic media serves as a powerful computational approach for modeling seismic wave propagation. This methodology employs finite difference schemes to numerically solve the wave equation on computational grids, making it suitable for various geological structures and medium types. The implementation typically involves discretizing the elastic wave equation using central difference approximations for both temporal and spatial derivatives, with stability conditions governed by the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) criterion. Key algorithmic components include velocity-stress formulation where wave propagation is simulated through coupled partial differential equations describing particle velocity and stress field evolution. The code implementation often utilizes staggered grid techniques to enhance numerical accuracy and stability, with absorbing boundary conditions (such as PML) implemented to minimize artificial reflections from computational domain edges. This simulation approach provides valuable insights into seismic wave behavior and subsurface medium properties, offering significant implications for geological exploration and earthquake prediction. Furthermore, the methodology finds applications in related domains including acoustic wave modeling and optical simulation studies, demonstrating its versatility across multiple wave propagation phenomena.