Nonlinear Waves in Nonlocal Media

Abstract

This review article gives a brief overview on nonlocal theories in solid mechanics from the viewpoint of wave motion. The influence of two essential qualities of solids—nonlocality and nonlinearity—is discussed. The effects of microstructure are analyzed in order to understand their role in nonlocal theories. The various models are specified on the level of one-dimensional unidirectional motion in order to achieve mathematical clarity of interpreting physical phenomena. Three main types of evolution equations are shown to govern deformation waves under such assumptions. Based on the dispersion analysis, weak, true, and strong nonlocalities are distinguished. There are 75 references included with this article.