Wave propagation velocity in solids

[kthouz]

Hi!
Can some one give me a link where i can find details about finding the velocity of propagation of a mechanical wave in a solid? (i think this wave must be a transverse one)

 

[Andy Resnick]

Any decent continuum mechanics text will discuss this. Ditto geology texts, in the context of earthquakes and seismic activity. Acousto-optics will also deal with this, in the context of certain devices.

The situation is more complex than you may think- there are both transverse (shear) and longitudinal (compression) waves, each with their own velocity.