On the transient response of a layer welded to a half-space; an insvestigation of impact on the thorax

The theory of generalized rays is dedicated to the investigation of the transient response of elastic layered media. It yields exact solutions, whatever the duration of the applied impulse (i.e., for any frequency content of the excitation). This Note is part of a research project on the modeling of non-penetrating impact on thorax. We investigate a simplified model of the thoracic wall – a layer welded to a semi-infinite medium – submitted to an impulse of variable duration. Among other things, it is found that the response computed for a “long” impulse is consistent with a result of the classical plate theory. To cite this article: Q. Grimal et al., C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]