Stability of an Elastic Layer Stack Between Two Half-Spaces Under Compressive Loads

A stability problem is solved for a multicomponent medium consisting of a layer stack and two structurally homogeneous half-spaces. The analysis is made within the framework of the piecewise-homogeneous model and the three-dimensional linearized theory of stability for small subcritical strains. The properties of isolated elements of the medium are determined within the framework of the orthotropic linearly elastic model. Specific numerical results are obtained for the case of plane strain