Numerical solution of stress waves in layered media.

Abstract

A numerical study is made of the transient elastic stress distribution in cylindrical and spherical bodies subjected to a radially symmetric transient normal pressure (or velocity) at an internal or external surface. The numerical procedure employs the characteristic relations on boundaries and on interfaces between media with different material properties while using an explicit finite difference scheme at all other points. In addition, as an option, the procedure can incorporate the exact jump conditions across discontinuous wave fronts. Problems with and without external boundaries are solved, and results are shown which clearly indicate the propagation of discontinuities in stress due to a step loading on the boundary. Comparison of these results with those available from other investigators yields excellent agreement. Results are also given for stress wave propagation in multilayered media consisting of two layers with different material properties.