Timothy S. Margulies
Natl. Ctr. for Phys. Acoust., Univ. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 58677
Finite-amplitude wave propagation has been investigated using balance and constitutive equations derived via continuum mixture theory for a multicomponent system such that simultaneous chemical reactions can occur. A multiple-time scale perturbation approach [T. Tanuiti and C.-C. Wei, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 24 (4), 941 (1968)] was used to develop a differential-integral equation for nonlinear wave propagation when diffusive motions can be neglected. The processes of dissipation (e.g., viscous and thermal), chemical relaxation, and nonlinear equation of state response influence the wave profile. Approximations, such as low-frequency and high-frequency expansions [J. Engelbrecht, Wave Motion 1, 65 (1979)] are examined. The low-frequency results in the classical Burgers' equation. Applications with calculations use information available in the literature for ocean and electrolytic solution environments. The case of slightly inhomogeneous media will also be discussed.