Nonlinear Acoustic Waves in Micro-inhomogeneous Solids covers the broad and dynamic branch of nonlinear acoustics, presenting a wide variety of different phenomena from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. The introductory chapters, written in the style of graduate-level textbook, present a review of the main achievements of classic nonlinear acoustics of homogeneous media. This enables readers to gain insight into nonlinear wave processes in homogeneous and micro-inhomogeneous solids and compare it within the framework of the book. The subsequent eight chapters covering: Physical models and mechanisms of the structure nonlinearity of micro-inhomogeneous media with cracks and cavities; Elastic waves in media with strong acoustic nonlinearity; Wave processes in micro-inhomogeneous media with hysteretic nonlinearity; Wave processes in nonlinear micro-inhomogeneous media with relaxation; Wave processes in the polycrystalline solids with dissipative and elastic nonlinearity caused by dislocations; Experimental studies of the nonlinear acoustic phenomena in polycrystalline rocks and metals; Experimental studies of nonlinear acoustic phenomena in granular media; and Nonlinear phenomena in seismic waves are dedicated to the theoretical and experimental research of nonlinear processes, caused by longitudinal elastic waves propagation and interaction in the micro-inhomogeneous media with a strong acoustical nonlinearity of different types (elastic, hysteretic, bimodular, elastic quadratic and non-elastic). This valuable monograph is intended for graduate students and researchers in applied physics, mechanical engineering, and applied mathematics, as well as those working in a wide spectrum of disciplines in materials science.

Conventional ultrasonic methods based on ultrasonic characteristics in the linear elastic region are mainly sensitive to mature defects but are much less responsive to micro-damage or incipient material degradation. Recently, nonlinear ultrasonic characteristics beyond the linear ultrasonic amplitude range have been studied as a method for overcoming this limitation, and hence, many researchers are engaged in theoretical, experimental, and various application studies. However, the nonlinear ultrasonic characteristics are quite exacting compared to the linear phenomena so that they require vast experience and high proficiency in order to obtain proper experimental data. Actually, many researchers, especially beginners including graduate students, have difficulty in reliably measuring nonlinear ultrasonic characteristics. This book provides key technological know-how from experts with years of experience in this field, which will help researchers and engineers to obtain a clear understanding and high quality data in the nonlinear ultrasonic experiments and applications.

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