Wavefront propagation in a class of random microstructures. II: Nonlinear elastic grains (Q2564369)

[For part I, see the author Int. J. Non-Linear Mech. 26, No. 5, 655-699 (1991; Zbl 0749.73025).] The propagation of stress pulses is studied in one-dimensional piecewise constant microstructures of grains with power-law elastic response, having randomness present in constitutive moduli and grain lengths. Materials of two types are considered: all grains of either a soft or a hard type. First, a Markov process is established for evolution of forward propagating disturbances, with the main feature being the progressive curving and random diffusion of the characteristics. Next, a study is conducted of the sensitivity of loading and unloading shock waves, as well as of washing out of pulses, to the randomness in the medium.