The objective of this proposal is to conduct a preliminary analytical/experimental investigation on the effects of solitons in solid materials. Soliton is a single isolated wave pulse which propagates at a constant velocity without change in shape or amplitude in a nonlinear elastic medium. Since its discovery in 1834, it has been studied theoretically but to date it has never been recorded experimentally in solids. This is an Expedited Award for Novel Research in which the PIs will attempt to detect the solitons indirectly by impacting a one dimensional sandwich model which is fabricated with alternating metal and rubber plates. Successive spallation of the metal plates will be an indirect and simple evidence of the existence of solitons. In addition to its academic interest, this soliton study will provide an insight to the dynamic fracture of elastomeric spring and in the design of shock isolation devices.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1988-09-01
Budget End
1990-02-28
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
$30,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Evanston
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60201