Thermal waves in a rigid heat conductor

We present a detailed analysis of acceleration wave behaviour for propagation of a thermal wave in a thermodynamic theory due to A.E. Green, F.R.S. and P.M. Naghdi. This theory is different from those normally given in the literature in that it employs a thermal displacement variable and a balance of entropy law rather than an inequality. The wave speeds and amplitudes of an acceleration wave are completely worked out.