Degenerate weakly non-linear elastic plane waves

Weakly non-linear plane waves are considered in hyperelastic crystals. Evolution equations are derived at a quadratically non-linear level for the amplitudes of quasi-longitudinal and quasi-transverse waves propagating in arbitrary anisotropic media. The form of the equations obtained depends upon the direction of propagation relative to the crystal axes. A single equation is found for all propagation directions for quasi-longitudinal waves, but a pair of coupled equations occurs for quasi-transverse waves propagating along directions of degeneracy, or acoustic axes. The coupled equations involve four material parameters but they simplify if the wave propagates along an axis of material symmetry. Thus, only two parameters arise for propagation along an axis of twofold symmetry, and one for a threefold axis. The transverse wave equations decouple if the axis is fourfold or higher. In the absence of a symmetry axis it is possible that the evolution equations of the quasi-transverse waves decouple if the third-order elastic moduli satisfy a certain identity. The theoretical results are illustrated with explicit examples. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.