Oscillations of a rigid sphere embedded in an infinite elastic solid

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, which is a continuation of (1), we study steady (i.e. time-harmonic) and transient rectilinear oscillations of small amplitude of a rigid sphere embedded in an infinite elastic solid. Two types of transient motions are considered, forced oscillations in which the sphere is subject to a prescribed time-dependent force, and free oscillations in which the sphere is set in motion by an impulsive force. For each mode of vibration of the sphere the character of the solution is determined by two parameters, the density contrast between the sphere and its surroundings and a parameter related to the Poisson's ratio of the elastic solid. Numerical results referring to transient rectilinear oscillations are presented in graphical form.