The reflection phenomena of \(SV\)-waves in a generalized thermoelastic medium (Q1578353)

It is known that in the classical thermomechanics the relationship governing heat transfer is Fourier law. In this framework, thermal waves propagate with infinite velocity. The advent of new composite materials and the use of these at high energies in small time (e.g. in laser units) led to modifications of the classical heat conduction law in order to produce a finite velocity for wave propagation (the so-called generalized thermoelasticity). There are several strategies to put into practice this intention. In particular, the present authors discuss the reflection of thermal waves when passing from a generalized thermoelastic (aluminium) half-space to vacuum. The reflection coefficients for all components of thermoelastic field are computed and plotted vs. the angle of incidence. Interesting comparisons are made between various graphs. The paper could be of interest to those using composite materials under conditions of extremely high transferred power.