On the Propagation of Shock Waves in a Nonhomogeneous Elastic Medium

Abstract

Abstract This paper is concerned with the propagation of shock waves in a nonhomogeneous isotropic plate of infinite extent and arbitrary thickness. The plate has a transverse cylindrical hole at which uniform shearing tractions are suddenly applied and there after steadily maintained; the body is otherwise free from loading. It is assumed that the shear modulus of the material is proportional to an arbitrary—not necessarily integral—power of the radial distance from the axis of the hole, while no restriction is placed upon the (continuous) radial variation of Young’s modulus. The solution obtained, which is discussed in detail, constitutes a generalization of results reached by Goodier and Jahsman [1], who considered the present problem for a homogeneous medium.