Propagation and attenuation of singular wave surfaces in linear inelastic media

In this paper we consider the propagation of singular wave surfaces in elastic media in which mechanical relaxation phenomena occur. We use the linearized form of Kluitenberg's thermodynamic theory for the description of the relaxation phenomena. In particular we investigate the velocity and attenuation of singular wave surfaces. It is shown that the velocity of singular waves is solely determined by parameters describing the elastic properties of the medium, whereas the attenuation is determined by parameters which occur in the description of the elastic properties and by parameters which play a role in the description of the (irreversible) inelastic properties of the medium. Temperature effects are left out of consideration.