Nonlinear Waves in Strings: The Barrage Balloon Problem

Abstract

This paper develops a theory for geometrically nonlinear waves in strings and presents analytical solutions for a traveling kink, generation of a geometric wave with its accompanying P wave, reflection of a kink at a fixed support and at a smooth sliding support, and interaction of a P wave and a kink. Conditions that must be satisfied for linear wave theory to hold are derived. The nonlinear theory is demonstrated by extending an historically important solution of the barrage balloon problem that was obtained during World War II.