Transient waves in composite materials

A continuum theory for transient wave propagation in three-dimensional composite materials is given. The derived model provides a set of governing equations for the prediction of dynamic response of elastic composites to impulsive loadings. Pulse propagation normal to the direction of layering in periodically bilaminated media, and normal to the fiber direction in unidirectional long-fiber composites are obtained as special cases. The dynamic response of the composite is determined solely from the materials properties of the constituents (assumed in general to be orthotropic) and their geometrical dimensions. The predicted propagating transient waves are checked with exact solutions for impacted laminated composites, and with measured data for a fiber-reinforced material. Applications are given for pulse propagation in particulate composites and in tri-othogonally fiber-reinforced materials.