Oscillations of a rigid sphere embedded in an infinite elastic solid

Abstract

AbstractA detailed study is made of angular oscillations of small amplitude about a fixed axis of a rigid sphere embedded in an infinite elastic solid. Three modes of vibration of the sphere are considered: steady oscillations arising from the application of a periodic torque; forced oscillations produced by an arbitrary time-dependent torque; and free oscillations excited by an impulsive torque. Due to the transfer of energy to the surrounding material by the radiation of an elastic shear wave, free oscillations of the sphere are damped, the principal parameter affecting the damping being the density contrast between the sphere and its surroundings. Illustrative numerical results, referring to steady and free oscillations of the sphere, are presented in graphical form.