On wave propagation in inhomogeneous elastic media

Wave propagation in an inhomogeneous elastic rod or slab is considered. The governing equations are written in a matrix form and transformations are sought which reduce the system to a form associated with the wave equation. Integration of the system is then immediate. It is shown that such reduction may be achieved subject to a function involving the density and elastic parameters of the material adopting certain multi-parameter forms. These parameters are available for fitting to the behaviour of a variety of inhomogeneous elastic materials. A specific initial boundary value problem is solved by utilising the present method.