Frequency dependence of nonlinear elastic moduli of polystyrene

In this paper we present experimental investigation of the frequency dependence of nonlinear elastic (Murnaghan) moduli of polystyrene samples by the ultrasonic method based on the acousto-elastic effect. Measurements were performed in a wide frequency range, from 250 kHz to 2.5 MHz. The absolute values of the Murnaghan moduli demonstrated considerably nonlinear dependencies on the ultrasound frequency. While at higher frequencies above ∼600 kHz no significant variations of the moduli occurred, at lower frequencies a drastic rise of absolute values in several orders of magnitude has been observed. The values obtained at lower frequencies were utilized for theoretical estimation of parameters of a strain solitary wave in this material. The data obtained correlated well with the parameters obtained experimentally and allowed for explaining the long-lasting discrepancy between theoretical estimations and experimental results. •Nonlinear elastic (Murnaghan) moduli of polystyrene depend on frequency.•At frequencies below 1 MHz absolute values of Murnaghan moduli rise significantly.•The rise is more pronounced at decreasing frequency.•The observed nonlinear properties can be explained by relaxation processes.•Extrapolated values of the moduli provide correct estimation of soliton parameters.