Self-consistent methods in the problem of axial elastic shear wave propagation through fiber composites

Summary Two self-consistent schemes (effective medium method and effective field method) are applied to the problem of monochromatic elastic shear wave propagation through matrix composite materials containing cylindrical unidirected fibers. Dispersion equations of the mean wave field in such composites are derived by both methods. In the long-wave and short-wave ranges, analytical solutions of these equations are obtained and compared with each other, while numerical solutions are constructed for a wide range of frequencies. In particular, velocities and attenuation factors of the mean wave fields obtained by the two methods are compared for various volume concentrations, elastic properties and densities of inclusions in a wide range of frequencies of the incident field. The main discrepancies in the predictions made by the two methods are indicated, analyzed and discussed.