Dispersion Relation of Elastic Waves in Bars of Rectangular Cross Section

A formal solution for travelling waves in isotropic linear elastic bars of rectangular cross section which have traction-free lateral surfaces is presented. The solution is obtained by crosswise superposition of two single series, each term of which gives zero shearing stresses on the lateral surfaces. Frequency equations, which define the dispersion relations of elastic waves, are given by infinite determinants. Based on the approximate frequency equations, dispersion relations for a longitudinal mode, a torsional mode, and bending modes were calculated with the aid of a digital computer. Numerical results were compared with those given by other authers.