Exact Solutions for a Thick Elastic Plate with a Thin Elastic Surface Layer

A procedure has been developed in previous papers for constructing exact solutions of the equations of linear elasticity in a plate (not necessarily thin) of inhomogeneous isotropic linearly elastic material in which the elastic moduli depend in any specified manner on a coordinate normal to the plane of the plate. The essential idea is that any solution of the classical equations for a hypothetical thin plate or laminate (which are two-dimensional theories) generates, by straightforward substitutions, a solution of the three-dimensional elasticity equations for the inhomogeneous material. In this paper we consider a thick plate of isotropic elastic material with a thin surface layer of different isotropic elastic material. It is shown that the interface tractions and in-plane stress discontinuities are determined only by the initial two-dimensional solution, without recourse to the three-dimensional elasticity theory. Two illustrative examples are described.     

Dynamic equations of the theory of thin prismatic bodies with expansion in the system of Legendre polynomials

For a thin anisotropic body that is inhomogeneous with respect to curvilinear coordinates x ¹ and x ² and for an arbitrary homogeneous prismatic anisotropic elastic body of variable thickness with one small dimension in the case of the classical parametrization of its domain, we obtain the equations of motion of the Cosserat theory of elasticity in terms of moments with the kinematic boundary conditions of kinematic meaning and with boundary conditions of physical meaning taken into account.     

Love solutions in the linear inhomogeneous transversely isotropic theory of elasticity

A general Love solution for the inhomogeneous transversely isotropic theory of elasticity with the elastic constants dependent on the coordinate z is proposed. This result may be considered as a generalization of the Love solutions we recently derived for the inhomogeneous isotropic theory of elasticity. The key steps of deriving the Love solution for the classical linear homogeneous transversely isotropic theory of elasticity are described for further use of the derivation procedure, which is then generalized to the inhomogeneous transversely isotropic case. Some particular cases of inhomogeneity traditionally used in the theory of elasticity are also examined. The significance of the derived solutions and their importance for the modeling of functionally graded materials are briefly discussed     

The derivation of a thick and thin plate formulation without ad hoc assumptions

For the plate formulation considered in this paper, appropriate three-dimensional elasticity solution representations for isotropic materials are constructed. No a priori assumptions for stress or displacement distributions over the thickness of the plate are made. The strategy used in the derivation is to separate functions of the thickness variable z from functions of the coordinates x and y lying in the midplane of the plate. Real and complex 3-dimensional elasticity solution representations are used to obtain three types of functions of the coordinates x, y and the corresponding differential equations. The separation of the functions of the thickness coordinate can be done by separately considering homogeneous and nonhomogeneous boundary conditions on the upper and lower faces of the plate. One type of the plate solutions derived involves polynomials of the thickness coordinate z. The other two solution forms contain trigonometric and hyperbolic functions of z, respectively. Both bending and stretching (or in-plane) solutions are included in the derivation.     

General hoyle–youngdahl and love solutions in the linear inhomogeneous theory of elasticity

The general Hoyle–Youngdahl and Love solutions in the three-dimensional theory of inhomogeneous linear elastic materials are proposed. Following a brief historical outline of various general solutions existing in the classical linear elasticity of homogeneous isotropic media, key steps of the derivation of the Hoyle–Youngdahl and Love solutions are presented. The procedure is then generalized to the case of inhomogeneous elastic materials with elastic constants depending on the z-coordinate. The significance of the solutions and their relevance to modeling of functionally graded materials is discussed in brief     

General love solution in the linear isotropic inhomogeneous theory of radius-dependent elasticity

A general Love solution for the inhomogeneous linear isotropic theory of elasticity with the elastic constants dependent on the coordinate r is proposed. The axisymmetric case is analyzed and cylindrical coordinates are used. This is the fourth publication in the series on general solutions in the inhomogeneous theory of elasticity. The new results are promising for the modern theory of functionally graded materials. The key steps of deriving the Love solutions are described for further use of the derivation procedure. The procedure of generalizing the Love solutions to the inhomogeneous theory of elasticity is detailed. The results obtained are discussed     

Some problems of linear elasticity for cylinders in micropolar orthotropic material

Some special problems for axisymmetric solids made of linearly elastic orthotropic micropolar material with central symmetry are dealt with. The first one is a hollow circular cylinder of unlimited length, subjected to internal and external uniform pressure. The second one is a hollow or solid circular cylinder of finite length, subjected to a relative rotation of the bases about its axis. In both cases, one of the axes of elastic symmetry is parallel to the cylinder axis; the other two are arbitrarily oriented in the plane of any cross-section of the solid. The elastic properties are invariant along the cylinder axis. It is shown that the two problems are governed by formally similar sets of ordinary differential equations in the kinematic fields (in-plane displacements and microrotations). In the general case, numerical solutions are derived. The solution for the cylinder subjected to radial pressure does not significantly differ from that obtained in classical elasticity, at least in terms of radial and hoop force stresses. In the case of a cylinder subjected to torsion the difference between the micropolar and the classical solutions is more pronounced. The torque induces twisting couple stresses about the cylinder axis of variable sign. Finally, size effects in terms of torsional inertia are pointed out.     

A comprehensive analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates: Part 1—Deflection and stresses

A two-dimensional solution is presented for bending analysis of simply supported functionally graded ceramic–metal sandwich plates. The sandwich plate faces are assumed to have isotropic, two-constituent material distribution through the thickness, and the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of the faces are assumed to vary according to a power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic ceramic material. Several kinds of sandwich plates are used taking into account the symmetry of the plate and the thickness of each layer. We derive field equations for functionally graded sandwich plates whose deformations are governed by either the shear deformation theories or the classical theory. Displacement functions that identically satisfy boundary conditions are used to reduce the governing equations to a set of coupled ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Numerical results of the sinusoidal, third-order, first-order and classical theories are presented to show the effect of material distribution on the deflections and stresses.     

Three-dimensional elastostatic solutions for transversely isotropic functionally graded material plates containing elastic inclusion

Based on the generalized England-Spencer plate theory, the equilibrium of a transversely isotropic functionally graded plate containing an elastic inclusion is studied. The general solutions of the governing equations are expressed by four analytic functions α(ζ), β(ζ), φ(ζ), and ψ(ζ) when no transverse forces are acting on the surfaces of the plate. Axisymmetric problems of a functionally graded circular plate and an infinite func-tionally graded plate containing a circular hole subject to loads applied on the cylindrical boundaries of the plate are firstly investigated. On this basis, the three-dimensional (3D) elasticity solutions are then obtained for a functionally graded infinite plate containing an elastic circular inclusion. When the material is degenerated into the homogeneous one, the present elasticity solutions are exactly the same as the ones obtained based on the plane stress elasticity, thus validating the present analysis in a certain sense.     

A Theory of General Solutions of Plane Problems in Two-Dimensional Octagonal Quasicrystals

A theory of general solutions of plane problems is developed for the coupled equations in plane elasticity of two-dimensional octagonal quasicrystals. In virtue of the operator method, the general solutions of the antiplane and inplane problems are given constructively with two displacement functions. The introduced displacement functions have to satisfy higher order partial differential equations, and therefore it is difficult to obtain rigorous analytic solutions directly and is not applicable in most cases. In this case, a decomposition and superposition procedure is employed to replace the higher order displacement functions with some lower order displacement functions, and accordingly the general solutions are further simplified in terms of these functions. In consideration of different cases of characteristic roots, the general solution of the antiplane problem involves two cases, and the general solution of the inplane problem takes three cases, but all are in simple forms that are convenient to be applied. Furthermore, it is noted that the general solutions obtained here are complete in x ₃-convex domains.      

Thermal buckling of functionally graded circular plates based on higher order shear deformation plate theory

In this research, thermal buckling of circular plates compose of functionally graded material (FGM) is considered. Equilibrium and stability equations of a FGM circular plate under thermal loads are derived, based on the higher order shear deformation plate theory (3rd order plate theory). Assuming that the material properties vary as a power form of the thickness coordinate variable z and using the variational method, the system of fundamental partial differential equations is established. A buckling analysis of a functionally graded circular plate (FGCP) under various types of thermal loads is carried out and the result are given in closed-form solutions. The results are compared with the critical buckling temperature obtained for FGCP based on first order (1st order plate theory) and classical plate theory (0 order plate theory) given in the literature. The study concludes that higher order shear deformation theory accurately predicts the behavior of FGCP, whereas the first order and classical plate theory overestimates buckling temperature.     

Asymptotic splitting in the three-dimensional problem of elasticity for non-homogeneous piezoelectric plates

A novel asymptotic approach to the theory of non-homogeneous anisotropic plates is suggested. For the problem of linear static deformations we consider solutions, which are slowly varying in the plane of the plate in comparison to the thickness direction. A small parameter is introduced in the general equations of the theory of elasticity. According to the procedure of asymptotic splitting, the principal terms of the series expansion of the solution are determined from the conditions of solvability for the minor terms. Three-dimensional conditions of compatibility make the analysis more efficient and straightforward. We obtain the system of equations of classical Kirchhoff's plate theory, including the balance equations, compatibility conditions, elastic relations and kinematic relations between the displacements and strain measures. Subsequent analysis of the edge layer near the contour of the plate is required in order to satisfy the remaining boundary conditions of the three-dimensional problem. Matching of the asymptotic expansions of the solution in the edge layer and inside the domain provides four classical plate boundary conditions. Additional effects, like electromechanical coupling for piezoelectric plates, can easily be incorporated into the model due to the modular structure of the analysis. The results of the paper constitute a sound basis to the equations of the theory of classical plates with piezoelectric effects, and provide a trustworthy algorithm for computation of the stressed state in the three-dimensional problem. Numerical and analytical studies of a sample electromechanical problem demonstrate the asymptotic nature of the present theory.     

Note on the Radial Deformation and Stresses in Anisotropic Nonhomogeneous Elastic Media

Abstract

In this paper we study the elasticity problem of a cylindrically anisotropic, elastic medium bounded by two axisymmetric cylindrical surfaces subjected to normal piessures (plane strain). The material of the structure is orthotropic with cylindrical anisotropy and, in addition, is continuously inhomogeneous with mechanical properties varying along the radius. General solutions in terms of Whittaker functions are presented. The results obtained by St. Venant for a homogeneous cylindrically anisotropic medium can be deduced from the general solutions. The problem of a solid cylinder of the same medium under the external pressure is also solved as a particular case of the above problem. Problems of the type covered in this paper are encountered in nuclear reactor design.     

Revisiting displacement functions in three-dimensional elasticity of inhomogeneous media

The paper presents a three-dimensional solution to the equilibrium equations for linear elastic transversely isotropic inhomogeneous media. We assume that the material has constant Poisson’s ratios, and its Young’s and shear moduli have the same functional form of dependence on the co-ordinate normal to the plane of isotropy. We show, apparently for the first time, that stresses and displacements in such an inhomogeneous transversely isotropic elastic solid can be represented in terms of two displacement functions which satisfy the second- and fourth-order partial differential equations. We examine and discuss key aspects of the new representation; they include the relationship between the new displacement functions and Plevako’s solution for isotropic inhomogeneous material with constant Poisson’s ratio as well as the application of the new representation to some important classes of three-dimensional elasticity problems. As an example, the displacement function is derived that can be used to determine stresses and displacements in an inhomogeneous transversely isotropic half-space which is subjected to a concentrated force normal to a free surface and applied at the origin (Boussinesq’s problem).     

An Exact Derivation from Three-Dimensions of the Linear Equations for the Bending of an Elastically Monoclinic Plate and Associated Three-Dimensional Solutions

The exact linear three-dimensional equations for a elastically monoclinic (13 constant) plate of constant thickness are reduced without approximation to a single 4th order differential equation for a thickness-weighted normal displacement plus two auxiliary equations for weighted thickness integrals of a stress function and the normal strain. The 4th order equation is of the same form as in classical (Kirchhoff) theory except the unknown is not the midsurface normal displacement. Assuming a solution of these plate equations, we construct so-called modified Saint-Venant solutions—“modified” because they involve non-zero body and surface loads. That is, solutions of the exact three-dimensional elasticity equations that exhibit no boundary layers and that are subject to a special set of body and surface loads that leave the analogous plate loads arbitrary.     

Three dimensional solution of thick rectangular simply supported plates under a moving load

Dynamic behavior of continuous systems such as beams and plates, under a moving load is an important engineering subject. In this paper, 3D elasticity equations are solved by use of the displacement potential functions and the exact solution of a simply supported thick rectangular plate under moving load is presented. For this purpose, the governing equations in terms of displacements, Navier’s equations, are converted to two linear partial differential equations of forth and second order using displacement potential functions. Then the governing equations in terms of the potential functions are solved using the separation of variables and Laplace integral transform, satisfying exact initial and boundary conditions. In order to validate the present approach, the obtained results of this study are compared with the results of the classical theory of plates for thin and existing solutions for moderately thick plates. Also, it is observed that the speed of a moving load has an important effect on the dynamic response of plate.     

Static, stability and dynamic analysis of gradient elastic flexural Kirchhoff plates

The governing equation of motion of gradient elastic flexural Kirchhoff plates, including the effect of in-plane constant forces on bending, is explicitly derived. This is accomplished by appropriately combining the equations of flexural motion in terms of moments, shear and in-plane forces, the moment–stress relations and the stress–strain equations of a simple strain gradient elastic theory with just one constant (the internal length squared), in addition to the two classical elastic moduli. The resulting partial differential equation in terms of the lateral deflection of the plate is of the sixth order instead of the fourth, which is the case for the classical elastic case. Three boundary value problems dealing with static, stability and dynamic analysis of a rectangular simply supported all-around gradient elastic flexural plate are solved analytically. Non-classical boundary conditions, in additional to the classical ones, have to be utilized. An assessment of the effect of the gradient coefficient on the static or dynamic response of the plate, its buckling load and natural frequencies is also made by comparing the gradient type of solutions against the classical ones.     

Elasticity solutions for functionally graded annular plates subject to biharmonic loads

Based on England’s expansion formula for displacements, the elastic field in a transversely isotropic functionally graded annular plate subjected to biharmonic transverse forces on its top surface is investigated using the complex variables method. The material parameters are assumed to vary along the thickness direction in an arbitrary fashion. The problem is converted to determine the expressions of four analytic functions α (ζ), β (ζ), ? (ζ) and ψ (ζ) under certain boundary conditions. A series of simple and practical biharmonic loads are presented. The four analytic functions are constructed carefully in a biconnected annular region corresponding to the presented loads, which guarantee the single-valuedness of the mid-plane displacements of the plate. The unknown constants contained in the analytic functions can be determined from the boundary conditions that are similar to those in the plane elasticity as well as those in the classical plate theory. Numerical examples show that the material gradient index and boundary conditions have a significant influence on the elastic field.     

A refined theory of elastic thick plates for extensional deformation

Based on elasticity theory, various two-dimensional (2D) equations and solutions for extensional deformation have been deduced systematically and directly from the three-dimensional (3D) theory of thick rectangular plates by using the Papkovich–Neuber solution and the Lur’e method without ad hoc assumptions. These equations and solutions can be used to construct a refined theory of thick plates for extensional deformation. It is shown that the displacements and stresses of the plate can be represented by the displacements and transverse normal strain of the midplane. In the case of homogeneous boundary conditions, the exact solutions for the plate are derived, and the exact equations consist of three governing differential equations: the biharmonic equation, the shear equation, and the transcendental equation. With the present theory a solution of these can satisfy all the fundamental equations of 3D elasticity. Moreover, the refined theory of thick plate for bending deformation constructed by Cheng is improved, and some physical or mathematical explanations and proof are provided to support our justification. It is important to note that the refined theory is consistent with the decomposition theorem by Gregory. In the case of nonhomogeneous boundary conditions, the approximate governing differential equations and solutions for the plate are accurate up to the second-order terms with respect to plate thickness. The correctness of the stress assumptions in the classic plane-stress problems is revised. In an example it is shown that the exact or accurate solutions may be obtained by applying the refined theory deduced herein.     

EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR FREE VIBRATIONS OF TRANSVERSELY ISOTROPIC CIRCULAR PLATES

By virtue of the general solution of dynamic elasticity equations for transverse isotropy as well as the variable separation method, three-dimensional exact solutions of circular plates are obtained under two types of boundary conditions. The solutions can consider both axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric cases. Solutions based on the classical plate theory and Mindlin plate theory are also presented under the corresponding boundary conditions. Numerical results are finally presented and comparisons between the three theories are made. The project is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 19872060).