Nonlinear wave propagation and reflection — Comparing the numerics with the analytics

• The nonlinear wave equation is solved analytically by the perturbation method.
• The analytical results are compared with the numerical solution.
• Exact description of the interaction region for counter-propagating waves is given.

The accuracy of numerical methods needs always a special attention. In this paper, analytical and numerical methods have been compared to describe the initial stage of nonlinear propagation and reflection of longitudinal ultrasonic waves. The perturbation method has been used to derive the analytical solution and the finite difference scheme to find the numerical solution for multiple free-boundary reflections of a harmonic burst at ultrasonic frequencies. The comparison of results at relatively small nonlinearities reveals a good qualitative and quantitative agreement between the analytical and numerical solutions. The method for determining analytically the exact region of interaction for counter-propagating waves is outlined in detail. At higher frequencies and larger nonlinear effects some quantitative differences between analytical and numerical results appear. The results are applicable in modelling nonlinear wave motion, including NDT and nonlinear one-dimensional vibrations.