Waves in microstructured solids: Inverse problems

Microstructured solids are characterized by their dispersive properties. Here inverse problems for such dispersive solids are analyzed based on the one-dimensional wave propagation. Governing equation of the Mindlin type model is considered which consists of higher order derivatives responsible for dispersive effects. Two cases are analyzed. The first deals with harmonic waves, the second - with a localized harmonic excitation. The dispersion relations are derived and then the corresponding inverse problems stated and solved. It is shown what information can be extracted from known (measured) phase and group velocities for determining the physical parameters. The results can be used in the nondestructive testing (NDT). (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.