SOLUTION OF IMPACT-INDUCED FLEXURAL WAVES IN A CIRCULAR RING BY THE METHOD OF CHARACTERISTICS

A study of elastic wave propagation in a curved beam (circular ring) i s presented. The governing equations of motion are formulated in two f orms based on Timoshenko beam theory. Solutions are obtained using the method of characteristics, whereby a numerical scheme employing highe r-order interpolation is proposed for the finite difference equations. Results obtained are verified by experiments; it is found that use of the higher-order numerical scheme improves correlation with experimen tal results. comparison of the relative accuracy between the two mathe matical formulations-one in terms of generalized forces and velocities and the other in terms of generalized displacements-shows the former to be mathematically simpler and to yield more accurate results.