Asymmetric vibrations of an elastic sphere

Historically, the vector Navier equation governing the dynamic response of an elastic, homogeneous, isotropic sphere has been solved using the Helmholtz decomposition of the displacement vector. Further, many of the problems in the literature have been restricted to ones involving axisymmetric geometry. In this presentation, the time-dependent Navier equation is solved using a set of vector spherical harmonics which, previously, has been used primarily in quantum mechanics studies but which seems particularly useful in solving asymmetric problems with nonconservative body forces. Expressions for the displacements, strains, and stresses and a discussion of the vibrations of an elastic sphere are given.Part of the material presented here was developed while the author was on a Developmental Leave at the University of Texas at Austin.