Nonlinear elastic waves in a solid isotropic wedge with defects

The paper presents experimental data for linear and nonlinear elastic waves in an acute-angled wedge made of D16 isotropic polycrystalline alloy with defects. The localization of waves at the edge of the wedge has been studied using laser vibrometry. The velocities of wedge waves have been measured by a pulse method in the frequency range 0.25–1.50 MHz. Measurements have not revealed any dispersion. The second harmonic of the wedge waves has been found. The dependences of the velocity and amplitude of the second harmonic on the amplitude of the first harmonic have been studied. It is noted that nonlinear effects observed in wedge waves may be explained in terms of the Murnaghan classical five-constant theory of elasticity. They are attributed to a defect-induced structural nonlinearity present in the wedge.