Non-linear flexural waves in thin layers

Non-linear flexural waves in thin plates or layers have been analyzed in this paper. The equation of motion of the plate is derived assuming that the motion is antisymmetric about the mid-plane of the plate and that the plate is thin. The plate is considered to be elastic. The Von Karman non-linear strains and Landau elastic constants have been used to model geometric and material non-linearities, respectively. An asymptotic analysis of wave motion is presented using the method of multiple scales. Evolution equations are derived for small amplitude traveling flexural elastic waves. Numerical results show waveform distortion, amplitude amplification, and harmonic generation.