A complex wavenumber encapsulates dispersion and can drive propagation calculations directly

Evidence

This is especially useful as it encapsulates any dispersive effects, and changes in wave velocity with frequency, and can be used directly to calculate various aspects of wave propagation in, and acoustic radiation from, for example, plates. — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 133

Categorization

Category: Definitional Content

• DEFINE: Clarifies the value of complex wavenumber for capturing dispersive waves — a technical concept the reader will need.