= Shear wave
{title2=$c_s=\sqrt{\mu/\rho}$}
= Transverse elastic wave
{synonym}
A <shear wave> in an isotropic elastic material has <displacement> perpendicular to its <wavevector>, with zero divergence for a plane wave. The <Navier-Cauchy equation> with <inertia> then reduces to $\rho\mathbf u_{tt}=\mu\Delta\mathbf u$, giving the displayed <wave speed>. At a boundary it can be generated by mode conversion from a <compressional wave>, even when the incident <displacement> is purely longitudinal.
Back to article page
