Transient wave propagation in layered media conducting heat

Transient wave propagation in thermoelastic layered composites consisting of alternating isotropic, homogeneous and linearly elastic high-strength reinforcing and low-strength matrix layers is investigated. The layers of the composite medium can be plane, cylindrical or spherical. The inner surfaces of the composite bodies are subjected to uniform time dependent dynamic inputs. A common formulation is employed for the three types of layered media. The generalized theory of thermoelasticity is used, with thermal relaxation predicting finite wave speeds for thermal disturbances. The method of characteristics is employed to obtain the solutions. Curves are plotted denoting the variations of normal stresses with time at different locations and variations of stresses along the thicknesses of the bodies at different times. The curves reveal the thermal and geometric dispersions in the wave profiles and the effects of reflections and refractions at the boundaries and the interfaces of the layers.