Surface and edge waves in solids with nematic coating.

Localized waves near the stress-free surface or the free edge of a solid with a thin nematic coating are investigated. The nematic media is described using an approximate linear low-frequency model. Being a non-traditional material this medium possesses a strong anisotropy of elastic and viscous properties and some additional freedom caused by the long polymer chain and molecules. As shown, the specific wave phenomena, observed earlier in the infinite nematic media, in the case of a coating with finite thickness lead to the appearance of the quasi-resonance zones where the phase speed and the attenuation of waves in heterogeneous composites are strongly perturbed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]