​The paper presents a finite element study designed to gain physical insight into the effect of surface discontinuities on Rayleigh wave propagation in structural elements. In particular, a series of array measurements at various locations within a plate are simulated and compared with experimental measurements. Conversion of array measurements into the frequency-wavenumber domain reveals propagating Lamb modes, which are used to define Rayleigh wave motion. Numerical results show that Rayleigh waves measured after passing a fracture are composed of long wavelength Rayleigh wave energy propagating past the slot and short wavelength Rayleigh wave energy formed behind the slot.