One-dimensional wave animation using Mathematica

The work presents how one-dimensional wave phenomenon is animated. Several methods including the D’Alembert solution, the diamond rule, the Laplace transform and the convolution integral, are employed in the Mathematica animation. All the analytical derivations were carried out by using the symbolic software. Several examples, including an infinite string with a spring, mass and damper as well as a semi-infinite string, two-media string, string and beam subject to support motions, were demonstrated to show the validity of the present formulation. Parameter study of impedance ratio and mass, spring, and dashpot was also examined to see the transmission and reflection coefficient. 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 17: 323 339, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20224