On the Propagation of Finite Disturbances in Bars of Rubberlike Materials

The existing theory of propagation of waves of finite amplitude is applied to rubberlike materials using a rigorous finite deformation theory of elasticity. Mooney-Rivlin and Neo-Hookean bodies are investigated in more detail, and explicit solutions are given for the speed of propagation, the particle velocity, and the conditions at the shock front. A numerical example concerning the Neo-Hookean body is given.