Detection of Rayleigh–Bloch waves (IMAGE) Macquarie University Caption This image is a simulation of a kind of acoustic wave called a Rayleigh-Bloch wave. The stripes of light and dark areas represent the “peaks" and “troughs" of the waves and are shaped by their interaction with the line of square objects. The positions of the objects have been carefully calculated so that the waves hug the objects and quickly decay further away. Simulations of this kind help scientists understand these waves in complex situations such as when they interact with multiple non-circular objects. Credit Stuart Hawkins Usage Restrictions No restrictions. License Public Domain Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.