Propagation and diffraction of thermo-elastic waves in a piecewise homogeneous strip composed of isotropic materials with different mechanical properties are investigated. One of the surfaces of the structure is subjected to thermal and mechanical shock. It is assumed that the velocity of heat propagation is finite. The equations of coupled thermo-elasticity and conditions of the solutions conjugation for the layers contact are adduced. The problem is solved numerically using the method of characteristics. The calculation results for a homogeneous strip are in good agreement with those obtained by other methods. The phenomena of reflection and transmission of thermo-elastic waves at the interface between layers are analyzed

thermo-elastic waves, stresses, velocity, method of characteristics