Elastic Wave Propagation in Inhomogeneous Bars of Several Sections

Abstract

An approximate method is given for analyzing the propagation of low-frequency wave trains in prismatic bars of cross sections which can be approximated through subdivision into rectangular elements. The method may be applied to inhomogeneous (composite) bars, for it is not required that each such element have the same properties. Results from the new method compare favorably with results previously obtained for a rectangular bar. Frequency spectra for several composite bars, including a bar of thick angle section, are given.