Numerical modeling of thermoelastic generation of ultrasound by laser irradiation in the coupled thermoelasticity

► Numerical modeling of ultrasound in the coupled thermoelasticity is discussed. ► Thermoelastic generation of ultrasound by laser irradiation is modeled. ► The influence of the coupling in the generalized thermoelasticity is investigated. ► For ultra high frequency waves (∼100 GHz) strong attenuation is observed. ► Laser-generated wave fields are presented in isotropic and hexagonal media.