Shock Wave Evolution into Strain Solitary Wave in Nonlinearly Elastic Solid Bar

TL;DR

This study experimentally observes how shock waves transform into strain solitary waves in a nonlinearly elastic polystyrene bar, supported by a theoretical and numerical model accounting for nonlinearity and viscosity.

Contribution

It provides a combined experimental, theoretical, and numerical analysis of shock wave evolution into strain solitary waves in nonlinear elastic solids.

Findings

Shock waves evolve into stable strain solitary waves in polystyrene bars.

Viscoelastic properties influence the formation and stability of the solitary waves.

Numerical models confirm the importance of viscosity in wave evolution.

Abstract

In this paper we present thorough experimental observation of the process of shock wave transformation into a bulk strain solitary wave in a nonlinearly elastic solid bar made of polystyrene. A theoretical model based on the describing propagation of a plane elastic wave in a bar is developed with account made for material nonlinearity and viscosity. Numerical modeling performed on the base of the developed model with and without regard to viscosity demonstrated formation of a long stable disturbance at proper account made for viscoelastic properties of the bar material.