On the theory of plane inhomogeneous waves in anisotropic elastic media

In the theory of plane inhomogeneous elastic waves, the complex wave vector constituted by two real vectors in a given plane may be described with the aid of two complex scalar parameters. Either of those parameters may be taken as a free one in the characteristic condition assigned to the wave equation. This alternative underlies the two fundamental approaches in the theory, namely, one associated with the Stroh eigenvalue problem and the other with the generalized Christoffel eigenvalue problem. The two approaches are identical insofar as a partial nondegenerate wave solution (partial mode) is concerned, but they differ in the fundamental solution (wave packet) assembling, and their dissimilarity is also revealed in the presence of degeneracies, which may involve either of the two governing parameters or both of them. Therefore, use of both approaches is essential for studying the degeneracy phenomenon in the theory of inhomogeneous waves. The criteria for different types of degeneracy, related to a double eigenvalue of the Stroh matrix or the Christoffel matrix and at the same time to a repeated root of the characteristic condition, are formulated by appeal to the matrix algebra and to the theory of polynomial equations. On this basis, dimensions of the manifolds, associated with degeneracy of different types in the space of variables, are established for elastic media of unrestricted anisotropy. The relation to the boundary-value problems is discussed.