The scattering of a plane elastic wave by spherical elastic inclusions (Q1191054)

Using the results of scattering by a single sphere, three equations are obtained for the effective bulk modulus \(K^*\), shear modulus \(\mu^*\) and density \(\rho^*\) of an elastic matrix containing spherical inclusions. In the work of \textit{G. C. Gaunaurd} and \textit{H. Ueberall} [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 74, 305-313 (1983; Zbl 0544.73038)] \(K^*\) is frequency dependent, whereas \(\mu^*\) and \(\rho^*\) are constant. Estimates are given for the effective speed and attenuation of longitudinal waves in the composite and for the effective speed of shear waves. The results do not compare favourably with experimental data for other than very low frequency. The theory of Gaunaurd and Ueberall is examined in some detail for the particular case of identical elastic spheres embedded in an elastic matrix.