Abstract
The propagation of thermoelastic waves in a homogeneous, isotropic elastic semi-infinite space is subjected to a gravitational field, which is at temperature To initially, and whose boundary surface is subjected to heat source and load moving with finite velocity. Temperature and stress distribution occurring due to heating or cooling and have been determined using certain boundary conditions. Numerical results have been given and illustrated graphically in each case considered. The results indicate that the effect of gravity field is very pronounced. Comparison is made with the results predicted by the theory of thermoelasticity in the absence of gravity. The results indicate that the effect of the gravity is very pronounced. (C) 2016 Politechnika Wroclawska. Published by Elsevier Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.