On a new method for the study of the spatial behavior in a homogeneous elastic arch-like region

We consider a two-dimensional homogeneous elastic state in the arch-like region a?≤?r?≤?b, 0?≤?θ?≤?α, where (r,θ) denotes plane polar coordinates. We assume that three of the edges are traction-free, while the fourth edge is subjected to a (in plane) self-equilibrated load. The Airy stress function ‘?’ satisfies a fourth-order differential equation in the plane polar coordinates with appropriate boundary conditions. We develop a method which allows us to treat in a unitary way the two problems corresponding to the self-equilibrated loads distributed on the straight and curved edges of the region. In fact, we introduce an appropriate change for the variable r and for the Airy stress functions to reduce the corresponding boundary value problem to a simpler one which allows us to indicate an appropriate measure of the solution valuable for both the types of boundary value problems. In terms of such measures we are able to establish some spatial estimates describing the spatial behavior of the Airy stress function. In particular, our spatial decay estimates prove a clear relationship with the Saint-Venant's principle on such regions.