A model for the propagation of nonlinear dispersive strain waves in a solid with defect clusters Original Research Article

A model for the propagation of nonlinear dispersive one-dimensional longitudinal strain waves in an isotropic solid with quadratic nonlinearity of elastic continuum is developed with taking into account the interaction with atomic defect clusters. The governing nonlinear dispersive–dissipative equation describing the evolution of longitudinal strain waves is derived. An approximate solution of the model equation was derived which describes asymmetrical distortion of geometry of the solitary strain wave due to the interaction between the strain field and the field of clusters. The contributions of the finiteness of the relaxation times of cluster-induced atomic defects to the linear elastic modulus and the lattice dissipation and dispersion parameters are determined. The amplitudes and width of the nonlinear waves depend on the elastic constants and on the properties of the defect subsystem (atomic defects, clusters) in the medium. The explicit expression is received for the sound velocity dependence upon the fractional cluster volume, which is in good agreement with experiment. The critical value of cluster volume fraction for the influence on the strain wave propagation is determined.