Harmonic generation at an unbonded interface—I. Planar interface between semi-infinite elastic media

An analysis is made of the nonlinear dynamics of a system composed of an unbonded planar interface separating two semi-infinite linear elastic media. The unbonded interface, by definition, cannot support tension and hence opens up in the tension phase of a propagating disturbance, if it is not already open. The opening and closing of the interface is the origin of the nonlinearity. This is perhaps the simplest nonlinear problem involving continuous media, since the problem reduces to the consideration of a pair of independent first order ordinary differential equations involving the center of gravity and width of the gap. In the case of an incident sinusoidal wave the second harmonic generation efficiency is determined as a function of the ratio of the ambient hydrostatic pressure to the stress amplitude of the incident wave.