Wave Propagation in Elastic Solids: An Analytical Approach

Subject matter of the present chapter is the detailed derivation and description of the dispersion relations for single- and multiple-layered isotropic and anisotropic carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP). First of all, based on the Lame–Navier equations the wave propagation in thin-walled isotropic solids and the characteristic dispersive behavior of the elastic waves are presented. Afterwards, the dispersion relations of an anisotropic single layer are introduced using the Christoffel equation. Here, special attention is given on the different approaches depending on how the elasticity tensor is populated. Finally, three procedures for the computation of the dispersion relations in multiple-layered anisotropic solids as well as their assets and drawbacks are presented.