Interaction of guided wave modes in isotropic weakly nonlinear elastic plates: Higher harmonic generation

A generalized approach is presented to analyze the nature of guided wave mode interactions in isotropic weakly nonlinear elastic plates. The problem formulation is carried out in terms of the displacement gradient, which facilitates systematic analysis of mode interactions in general and that of higher harmonic generation in particular. Only cumulative harmonics are analyzed; these (1) have nonzero power flow and (2) are phase matched. Results indicate that the interaction of Rayleigh-Lamb modes of the same nature (symmetric or antisymmetric) can generate only cumulative harmonics that are symmetric modes, while the interaction between modes of opposite nature can generate only cumulative harmonics that are antisymmetric modes. A methodology for assessing cumulative higher harmonic generation (e. g., the third harmonic) is also proposed. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4729554]