1 Introduction— What is all that about?-   2 What is wave motion.- 3 How to model waves? .- 4 What are internal variables? Arkadi Berezovski answers.- 5 What are evolution equations? . 6 What physical effects are involved? - 7 What physical mechanisms govern waves in non-conservative systems? - 8 What is complexity of waves? - References .- Index.

This book addresses the modelling of mechanical waves by asking the right questions about them and trying to find suitable answers. The questions follow the analytical sequence from elementary understandings to complicated cases, following a step-by-step path towards increased knowledge. The focus is on waves in elastic solids, although some examples also concern non-conservative cases for the sake of completeness. Special attention is paid to the understanding of the influence of microstructure, nonlinearity and internal variables in continua. With the help of many mathematical models for describing waves, physical phenomena concerning wave dispersion, nonlinear effects, emergence of solitary waves, scales and hierarchies of waves as well as the governing physical parameters are analysed. Also, the energy balance in waves and non-conservative models with energy influx are discussed. Finally, all answers are interwoven into the canvas of complexity.

“This book contains a description of basic ideas on wave motion in elastic media starting from a simple to a more complex stage. … This book will be useful to researchers in physical and engineering sciences interested in wave mechanics. The book presents the material from modelling to the construction of solutions in a variety of situations.” (Fiazud Din Zaman, zbMATH, Vol. 1325.74001, 2016)“The book covers the most important topics and equations of the field, sometimes briefly and sometimes at length, with supporting references. It should be useful as a reference for scholars and graduate students and also might serve as a textbook for special courses. … Figures are generally of high quality, with many reproduced from prior journal publications.” (John D. Clayton, Mathematical Reviews, December, 2015)

Mathematical models of waves linked consistently to physical effects Emphasis is on the nonclassical models of wave motion Step-by-step approach from simple to complex Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras