Exact 3D elasticity solution for free vibrations of an eccentric hollow sphere

An exact three-dimensional elastodynamic analysis for describing the natural oscillations of a freely suspended, isotropic, and homogeneous elastic sphere with an eccentrically located inner spherical cavity is developed. The translational addition theorem for spherical vector wave functions is employed to impose the zero traction boundary conditions, leading to frequency equations in the form of exact determinantal equations involving spherical Bessel functions and Wigner 3j symbols. Extensive numerical calculations have been carried out for the first five clusters of eigenfrequencies associated with both the axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric spheroidal as well as toroidal oscillation modes for selected inner-outer radii ratios in a wide range of cavity eccentricities. Also, the corresponding three-dimensional deformed mode shapes are illustrated in vivid graphical forms for selected eccentricities. The numerical results describe the imperative influence of cavity eccentricity, mode type, and radii ratio on the vibrational characteristics of the hollow sphere. The existence of “multiple degeneracies” and the trigger of “frequency splitting” are demonstrated and discussed. The accuracy of solution is checked through appropriate convergence studies, and the validity of results is established with the aid of a commercial finite element package as well as by comparison with the data in the existing literature.