Non-linear bell-shaped and kink-shaped strain waves in microstructured solids

The evolution of finite-amplitude strain waves is studied in a medium with microstructure when dissipation and energy input are taken into account. The governing non-linear equation for longitudinal strain waves is obtained in the one-dimensional case. The propagation and attenuation or amplification of bell-shaped and kink-shaped waves, whose parameters are defined in an explicit form through the parameters of the microstructured medium, are studied. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.