Transient and time harmonic waves in elastic plates

This paper deals with transient wave propagation in elastic homogeneous and isotropic plates, in terms of displacement discontinuities of all order ≥ 1 at the wave front. The problem of steady state time harmonic waves is dealt with in terms of an asymptotic series expansion. The possible wave types along with the general transport-induction equations for each type are given, and the interrelationship between transient and time harmonic waves is discussed. Special constrained wave motions which allow uncoupling of the various possible wave types are defined. Several illustrative examples of the theory developed are given.