Inclined circular flat punch on a transversely isotropic piezoelectric half-space

Summary Utilizing the general solution of transversely isotropic piezoelectricity, the paper analyzes the problem of an inclined rigid circular flat punch indenting a transversely isotropic piezoelectric half-space. The potential theory method is employed and generalized to take into account the effect of the electric field in piezoelectric materials. Assuming that the punch is maintained at a constant electric potential, exact expressions for the elastoelectric field are derived in terms of elementary functions. It is noted that the solution corresponding to a flat circular punch centrally loaded by a concentrated force can be obtained as a special case. Received 15 December 1998; accepted for publication 9 March 1999