Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Activating Molecules, Ions, and Solid Particles with Acoustic Cavitation
Published on: April 11, 2014
The history and properties of ultrasonic inhomogeneous waves
Nico F Declercq1, Rudy Briers, Joris Degrieck
1Soete Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Construction and Production, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. NicoF.Declercq@UGent.be
Abstract:
This paper gives a historical survey of the development of the inhomogeneous wave theory, and its applications, in the field of ultrasonics. The references are listed predominantly chronologically and are as good as complete. Along the historical description, several scientific features of inhomogeneous waves are described. All topics of inhomogeneous wave research are taken into account, such as waves in viscoelastic solids and liquids, thermoviscous liquids and solids, and anisotropic viscoelastic materials. Also inhomogeneous waves having complex frequency are described. Furthermore, the formation of bounded beams by means of inhomogeneous waves is given and the diffraction of inhomogeneous waves on periodically corrugated surfaces. The experimental generation of inhomogeneous waves is considered as well.
Related Concept Videos
Sound Waves
Sound waves are longitudinal in most fluids because fluids cannot sustain any lateral pressure. In solids, however, shear forces help in propagating the disturbance in the lateral direction as well. Hence,...
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Travelling Waves
Water waves, sound waves, and seismic waves are some examples of mechanical waves. For water waves, the wave propagation medium is water;...
Sound Waves: Interference
Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Interference and Superposition of Waves
Interference occurs in mechanical waves, such as sound waves, waves on a string, and surface water waves. Mechanical waves correspond to the physical displacement of particles. Hence,...

