Numerical Solution to a One-Dimensional, Nonlinear Problem of Thermoelasticity with Volume Force and Heat Supply in a Slab

A numerical solution is presented for a one-dimensional, nonlinear boundary-value problem of thermoelasticity with variable volume force and heat supply in a slab. One surface of the body is subjected to a given periodic displacement and Robin thermal condition, while the other is kept fixed and at zero temperature. Other conditions may be equally treated as well. The volume force and bulk heating simulate the effect of a beam of hot particles infiltrating the medium. The present study is a continuation of previous work by the same authors for the half-space [1]. The presented Figures display the process of propagation and reflection of the coupled nonlinear thermoelastic waves in the slab. They also show the effects of volume force and heat supply on the distributions of the mechanical displacements and temperature inside the medium. The propagation of beats provides evidence for sufficiently large time values.