Characteristic features of elastic wave propagation in a one-dimensional model of an unconsolidated medium

The characteristic features of elastic wave propagation in a one-dimensional model of a discrete inhomogeneous unconsolidated medium are investigated. The model is represented by a linear chain of 80 uncoupled steel spheres with a diameter of 6.5 mm. Nonlinear effects that may arise in such systems are reviewed. The experimental setup is described. Results of studying the dispersion of elastic waves in the system and the dependence of the elastic wave velocity on the wave amplitude under increasing compression are presented. The results are analyzed using the Hertz contact theory.