| Abstract: | The problem of harmonic waves in layered and fibre-reinforced composites is solved by a method of finite elements. Piecewise linear approximating functions are used for the displacement and stress fields in a mixed variational formulation, recently proposed by one of the writers in the form of a new quotient. Numerical computations are made for approximate phase-velocities of harmonic waves in layered composites, where asymmetric and symmetric triangular meshes, and square meshes with interior nodes, are used. To illustrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the method, these approximate solutions are compared with those given by means of exponential test functions, and the exact ones by Rytov, etc. Calculations are also performed for harmonic waves in fibre-reinforced composites. Dispersion curves for these waves are obtained and displayed graphically. |
