The interaction of highly nonlinear solitary waves and viscoelastic half-space

The method of nondestructive testing (NDT) using the coupling of highly nonlinear solitary waves in one-dimensional particle chains and structures is a new research hotspot which is gradually improved. Based on properties of solitary wave, we investigate the coupling mechanism between highly nonlinear solitary waves and viscoelastic half-space and obtain the complete coupling differential equation system. By solving the equations with Runge-Kutta method and analyzing the reflected wave, we find that reflected solitary waves are sensitive especially to the Young's module and viscosity of the viscoelastic half-space. These findings can be applied to the NDT to the material properties of viscoelastic structures and it also enrich the theory of solitary wave flaw detection.