| Abstract: | Green's functions for the field variables of a complete sphere subjected to normal surface traction are obtained with “free space” properties. Further, self-equilibrated singular solutions of the variables associated with tangentially applied point loads and concentrated surface moments are constructed. The solution formulae are derived within the framework of the improved theory of thin shells and thus incorporate the effect of transverse shear in the equilibrium of the shell element. Despite the complex character of the solution, expressed in terms of complex Legendre functions, the closed form of it reveals the effects of the new assumptions (presence of shear strains) onto the singular behavior of the associated kernels. Numerical results for the field variables demonstrate the differences between the two theories, classical and improved. |
