Abstract
A general approach to the governing equations of one-dimensional elastic-plastic wave propagations (in the absence of strain rate and lateral inertia effects) is presented via the Bergman integral operation method. Termination of the Bergman series is shown to occur in a simple manner for certain multi-parameter non-linear constitutive laws of significance. The concept of 'elastic-plastic boundary' is discussed. The propagation of the elastic-plastic boundary for a semi-infinite medium subjected to a monotonically increasing and then monotonically decreasing load at its open end is investigated.