Self-contained coverage of topics ranging from elementary theory of waves and vibrations in strings to three-dimensional theory of waves in thick plates. Over 100 problems.

The most readable survey of the theoretical core of current knowledge available. The author gives a concise account of the classical theory necessary to an understanding of the subject and considers how this theory has been extended to solids.

The propagation of mechanical disturbances in solids is of interest in many branches of the physical scienses and engineering. This book aims to present an account of the theory of wave propagation in elastic solids. The material is arranged to present an exposition of the basic concepts of mechanical wave propagation within a one-dimensional setting and a discussion of formal aspects of elastodynamic theory in three dimensions, followed by chapters expounding on typical wave propagation phenomena, such as radiation, reflection, refraction, propagation in waveguides, and diffraction. The treatment necessarily involves considerable mathematical analysis. The pertinent mathematical techniques are, however, discussed at some length.

In this monograph I record those parts of the theory of transverse isotropic elastic wave propagation which lend themselves to an exact treatment, within the framework of linear theory. Emphasis is placed on transient wave motion problems in two- and three-dimensional unbounded and semibounded solids for which explicit results can be obtained, without resort to approximate methods of integration. The mathematical techniques used, many of which appear here in book form for the first time, will be of interest to applied mathematicians, engeneers and scientists whose specialty includes crystal acoustics, crystal optics, magnetogasdynamics, dislocation theory, seismology and fibre wound composites. My interest in the subject of anisotropic wave motion had its origin in the study of small deformations superposed on large deformations of elastic solids. By varying the initial stretch in a homogeneously deformed solid, it is possible to synthesize aniso tropic materials whose elastic parameters vary continuously. The range of the parameter variation is limited by stability considerations in the case of small deformations super posed on large deformation problems and (what is essentially the same thing) by the of hyperbolicity (solids whose parameters allow wave motion) for anisotropic notion solids. The full implication of hyperbolicity for anisotropic elastic solids has never been previously examined, and even now the constraints which it imposes on the elasticity constants have only been examined for the class of transversely isotropic (hexagonal crystals) materials.

My intent in writing this book is to present an introduction to the thermo- chanical theory required to conduct research and pursue applications of shock physics in solid materials. Emphasis is on the range of moderate compression that can be produced by high-velocity impact or detonation of chemical exp- sives and in which elastoplastic responses are observed and simple equations of state are applicable. In the interest of simplicity, the presentation is restricted to plane waves producing uniaxial deformation. Although applications often - volve complex multidimensional deformation fields it is necessary to begin with the simpler case. This is also the most important case because it is the usual setting of experimental research. The presentation is also restricted to theories of material response that are simple enough to permit illustrative problems to be solved with minimal recourse to numerical analysis. The discussions are set in the context of established continuum-mechanical principles. I have endeavored to define the quantities encountered with some care and to provide equations in several convenient forms and in a way that lends itself to easy reference. Thermodynamic analysis plays an important role in continuum mechanics, and I have included a presentation of aspects of this subject that are particularly relevant to shock physics. The notation adopted is that conventional in expositions of modern continuum mechanics, insofar as possible, and variables are explained as they are encountered. Those experienced in shock physics may find some of the notation unconventional.

This volume contains 16 classic essays from the 17th to the 21st centuries on aspects of elastic wave theory.

The propagation of mechanical disturbances in solids is of interest in many branches of the physical scienses and engineering. This book aims to present an account of the theory of wave propagation in elastic solids. The material is arranged to present an exposition of the basic concepts of mechanical wave propagation within a one-dimensional setting and a discussion of formal aspects of elastodynamic theory in three dimensions, followed by chapters expounding on typical wave propagation phenomena, such as radiation, reflection, refraction, propagation in waveguides, and diffraction. The treatment necessarily involves considerable mathematical analysis. The pertinent mathematical techniques are, however, discussed at some length.