On the accuracy of one-way approximate models for nonlinear waves in soft solids

Simple strain-rate viscoelasticity models of isotropic soft solid are introduced. The constitutive equations account for finite strain, incompressibility, material frame-indifference, nonlinear elasticity, and viscous dissipation. A nonlinear viscous wave equation for the shear strain is obtained exactly, and corresponding one-way Burgers-type equations are derived by making standard approximations. Analysis of the travelling wave solutions shows that these partial differential equations produce distinct solutions, and that deviations are exacerbated when wave amplitudes are not arbitrarily small. In the elastic limit, the one-way approximate wave equation can be linked to simple wave theory and shock wave theory, thus allowing direct error measurements.