Longitudinal waves in liquid-filled tubes—I: Theory

Pulse propagation in axisymmetric elastic and viscoelastic tubes has been analyzed on the basis of extensions of existing one-dimensional bar-like and membrane-shell theories upon addition of viscous behavior of the components. A combined analytical-experimental procedure has also been developed for the determination of relevant mechanical properties. It has been found that, for the range of parameters considered, the fluid viscosity can be ignored, whereas that of the container plays a significant role; on the other hand, the radial inertia can be neglected. In a companion paper, the predictions of the theory are found to be in good correspondence with experimental results.