An inhomogeneous half-space containing a cavity is bonded to a homogeneous half-space. Waves are incident on the interface and the problem is to calculate the scattered waves. For a circular cavity in an exponentially graded half-space, it is shown how to solve the problem by constructing an appropriate set of multipole functions. These functions are singular on the axis of the cavity, they satisfy the governing differential equation in each half-space, and they satisfy the continuity conditions across the interface between the two half-spaces. Seven recent publications are criticized: They do not take proper account of the interface between the two half-spaces.

The effective mass density of an inhomogeneous medium is discussed. Random configurations of circular cylindrical scatterers are considered, in various physical contexts: fluid cylinders in another fluid, elastic cylinders in a fluid or in another solid, and movable rigid cylinders in a fluid. In each case, time-harmonic waves are scattered, and an expression for the effective wavenumber due to Linton and Martin [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117, 3413–3423 (2005)] is used to derive the effective density in the low frequency limit, correct to second order in the area fraction occupied by the scatterers. Expressions are recovered that agree with either the Ament formula or the effective static mass density, depending upon the physical context.

We extend the original Mullins theory of surface grooving due to a single interface to multiple interacting grooves formed due to closely spaced flat interfaces. First, we show that Mullins’ analysis for one groove can be simplified by using Fourier cosine transforms instead of Laplace transforms. Second, we solve the corresponding problem for an infinite periodic row of grooves. For both of these problems, symmetry considerations ensure that the interface conditions reduce to boundary conditions. Third, we solve the problem for two interacting grooves. Continuity requirements at the groove roots require sliding at the interfaces or tilting of the groove roots. We adopt the latter model. We find that the groove roots tilt until the surface curvature of the semi-infinite profiles is eliminated.

In this work, the effect of the concentration-dependent chemical-expansion coefficient, β, on the chemo-elastic field in lithium-ion cathode particles is examined. To accomplish this, an isotropic linear-elastic model is developed for a single idealistic particle subjected to potentiostatic-discharge and charge conditions. It is shown that β can be a key parameter in demarcating the chemo-stress–strain state of the cathode material undergoing nonlinear volumetric strains. As an example, such strains develop in the hexagonal-to-monoclinic-phase region of Li_xCoO₂ (0.37 ≤ x ≤ 0.55) and, subsequently, the corresponding β is a linear function of concentration. Previous studies have assumed a constant value for β. Findings suggest that the composition-generated chemo-elastic field that is based on a linear-β dramatically affects both the interdiffusion and the mechanical behavior of the Li_xCoO₂ cathode particle. Because the chemo-elastic phenomena emanate in a reciprocal fashion, the resulting linear β-based hydrostatic-stress gradients significantly aid the diffusion of lithium. Thus, diffusion is accelerated in either electrochemical process that the cathode material undergoes.

In a previous paper, Linton and Martin [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117, 3413-3423 (2005)] obtained two formulas for the effective wavenumber in a dilute random array of circular scatterers. They emerged from a study of the problem of the reflection of a plane wave at oblique incidence to a half-space containing the scatterers. Here, their study is extended to obtain formulas for the reflection and transmission coefficients and to investigate the average fields near the boundary of the half-space. Comparisons with previous work are made.