An elastodynamic reciprocity theorem for linear, viscoelastic media

Summary A reciprocity theorem for impulsive disturbances in a linear, viscoelastic medium is derived. Apart from the condition that the medium be linear and viscoelastic of the Boltzmann type, no restrictions as to the properties of the medium are imposed. Hence, the reciprocity theorem is applicable to disturbances in inhomogeneous and anisotropic media.As an illustration of its usefulness the reciprocity theorem is used to derive an integral representation of the Kirchhoff type for the displacement vector in a linear, viscoelastic medium.For reference, also the Laplace transform version of the obtained results is given.