Abstract
A new model one-dimensional wave equation is constructed, which is adapted for the study of longitudinal waves in rods having some inhomogeneities in physical properties and/or in geometry. This equation is then applied to scattering of longitudinal waves in circular rods, where the elastic constants such as Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio become locally inhomogeneous along their axes due to local heating. In the experiments, strain waves are produced by impacting cylindrical bullets at one end of a stainless steel rod which is heated locally at its intermediate portion. The main interests are devoted to the dispersion effect on waves scattered by the inhomogeneities and also the validity of the present equation.
