Simple wave interaction of an elastic string

The equations for the two-dimensional motion of a completely flexible elastic string can be derived from a Lagrangian. The equations of motion possess four characteristic velocities, to which the following four simple wave solutions correspond: leftward and rightward propagating longitudinal and transverse waves. The latter are exceptional (constant shape). By expanding the solution about a steady solution the interaction of simple waves may be studied. A typical result is the following: As a consequence of their interaction two transverse waves running into opposite directions emit a longitudinal wave and undergo themselves a translation over a finite distance but remain otherwise unchanged. The results are also valuable for a full comprehension of the interaction process of simple waves on inextensible strings.