Chapter 0 - Introduction
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
Summary
The aim of this book is to describe the physics of nonlinear stress waves in fluids and solids. These waves cause changes not only in force and motion but also in heat and temperature. We introduce our topic by describing two experiments that have greatly contributed to our understanding of nonlinear waves.
The study of waves is important to virtually every branch of science and engineering. Indeed, waves are also important to everyday life. Sound waves allow us to hear, and electromagnetic waves allow us to see. In this book, we restrict our study to one important class of waves often called stress waves. These waves propagate through gases, liquids, and solids. Stress waves in gases and liquids are usually called pressure waves. This nomenclature is derived from the fact that internal forces in solid bodies are represented by a stress tensor, and internal forces in inviscid liquids and gases are represented by a special form of stress called pressure. In Chapter 1, we shall learn the distinction between stress and pressure.
Sound is the most commonly experienced pressure wave. Indeed, anyone standing in a thunderstorm knows that lightening is seen before the report of its thunder is heard. This simple observation reveals the single, most important feature of any wave – its finite velocity. We know there is always a lapse of time between the cause of a sound wave and when we hear it.
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- Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1998