The theory of thermoelasticity with dual phase-lag effects is employed to study the
problem of one-dimensional disturbances in an elastic half-space with its plane
boundary subjected to (i) a constant step input of temperature and zero stress, and
(ii) a constant step input of stress and zero temperature. The Laplace transform
method is used to solve the problem. Expressions for displacement, temperature and
stress fields are obtained for small values of time. It is found that the solutions
consist of two coupled waves both of which propagate with finite speeds and
attenuation, influenced by the two delay times and thermoelastic coupling constant.
The discontinuities that occur at the wave fronts are obtained. The characteristic
features of the underlying theory are analyzed by comparing the results of the
present analysis with their counterparts in coupled thermoelasticity theory
(CTE) and in other generalized thermoelasticity theories ETE, TRDTE and
TEWOED.
