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Mathematics course of the University of Cambridge

Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge

2025

Paper 2

Take the divergence of the elastic equation. With $\theta=\nabla\cdot\mathbf u$,
$$
\rho\theta_{tt}=(\lambda+2\mu)\nabla^2\theta.
$$
Thus dilatational P-waves have speed
$$
\boxed{c_P=\sqrt{\frac{\lambda+2\mu}{\rho}}.}
$$

Taking the curl and writing $\boldsymbol\omega=\nabla\times\mathbf u$ eliminates the gradient term and gives
$$
\rho\boldsymbol\omega_{tt}=\mu\nabla^2\boldsymbol\omega.
$$
Thus rotational S-waves have speed
$$
\boxed{c_S=\sqrt{\frac\mu\rho}.}
$$


Solution

Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2025 / ii / Paper 2 / 40A / a / Solution

Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2025 / ii / Paper 2 / 40A / a / Solution

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Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2025 / ii / Paper 2 / 40A / a / Solution

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