Finite‐volume methods for non‐linear elasticity in heterogeneous media

An approximate Riemann solver is developed for the equations of non‐linear elasticity in a heterogeneous medium, where each grid cell has an associated density and stress–strain relation. The non‐linear flux function is spatially varying and a wave decomposition of the flux difference across a cell interface is used to approximate the wave structure of the Riemann solution. This solver is used in conjunction with a high‐resolution finite‐volume method using the CLAWPACK software. As a test problem, elastic waves in a periodic layered medium are studied. Dispersive effects from the heterogeneity, combined with the non‐linearity, lead to solitary wave solutions that are well captured by the numerical method. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.