Travelling wave processes and wave motion are of great importance in many areas of mechanics, and nonlinearity also plays a decisive role there. The basic mathematical models in this area involve nonlinear partial differential equations, and predictability of behaviour of wave phenomena is of great importance. Beside fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, which have long been the traditional nonlinear scienes, solid mechanics is now taking an ever increasing account of nonlinear effects. Apart from plasticity and fracture mechanics, nonlinear elastic waves have been shown to be of great importance in many areas, such as the study of impact, nondestructive testing and seismology. These lectures offer a thorough account of the fundamental theory of nonlinear deformation waves, and in the process offer an up to date account of the current state of research in the theory and practice of nonlinear waves in solids.

This book systematically discusses the modern theory of propagation and interaction of elastic waves in solids with microstructure. Mathematical models of solids taking into account microstructure, geometrical and physical nonlinearity, damage media, interaction of deformation and magnetic field are obtained. Different wave effects characteristic of solids with microstructure are studied. The opportunity to use these effects in problems of ultrasonic testing of materials and devices of constructions is considered.

This book uses asymptotic methods to obtain simple approximate analytic solutions to various problems within mechanics, notably wave processes in heterogeneous materials. Presenting original solutions to common issues within mechanics, this book builds upon years of research to demonstrate the benefits of implementing asymptotic techniques within mechanical engineering and material science. Focusing on linear and nonlinear wave phenomena in complex micro-structured solids, the book determines their global characteristics through analysis of their internal structure, using homogenization and asymptotic procedures, in line with the latest thinking within the field. The book’s cutting-edge methodology can be applied to optimal design, non-destructive control and in deep seismic sounding, providing a valuable alternative to widely used numerical methods. Using case studies, the book covers topics such as elastic waves in nonhomogeneous materials, regular and chaotic dynamics based on continualisation and discretization and vibration localization in 1D Linear and Nonlinear lattices. The book will be of interest to students, research engineers, and professionals specialising in mathematics and physics as well as mechanical and civil engineering.

This book treats two problems simultaneously: sequential analytical consideration of nonlinear strain wave amplification and selection in wave guides and in a medium; demonstration of the use of even particular analytical solutions to nonintegrable equations in a design of numerical simulation of unsteady nonlinear wave processes. The text includes numerous detailed examples of the strain wave amplification and selection caused by the influence of an external medium, microstructure, moving point defects, and thermal phenomena. The main features of the book are: (1) nonlinear models of the strain wave evolution in a rod subjected by various dissipative/active factors; (2) an analytico-numerical approach for solutions to the governing nonlinear partial differential equations with dispersion and dissipation. This book is essential for introducing readers in mechanics, mechanical engineering, and applied mathematics to the concept of long nonlinear strain wave in one-dimensional wave guides. It is also suitable for self-study by professionals in all areas of nonlinear physics. Contents: Basic Concepts; Mathematical Tools for the Governing Equations Analysis; Strain Solitary Waves in an Elastic Rod; Amplification of Strain Waves in Absence of External Energy Influx; Influence of Dissipative (Active) External Medium; Bulk Active or Dissipative Sources of the Amplification and Selection. Readership: Graduate students, academics and researchers in mechanics, nonlinear science and mechanical engineering.