How do longitudinal waves propagate transversely?

Abstract

Modern, high-fidelity numerical simulations have shown an apparently anomalous result: a longitudinal elastodynamic wave travelling perpendicular to the forcing direction. Numerical simulations, in combination with an analytical model, are used to confirm that this is not simply a simulation artefact, but a true physical phenomenon, as well as illustrating that the behaviour also occurs for shear and guided waves. When assessing how this unexpected wave interacts with objects, however, it is found that it does not scatter, despite being clearly measurable. This paper has uncovered and explained this behaviour, which is critical for the reliable use of numerical wave simulations in elastic media, as well as potentially for high sensitivity experiments and other polarised wave modalities.