Chapter 5

Formulation and Solution

Strategies
Review of Basic Field
Equations
1
eij

(ui , j u j ,i ) Strain-Displacement Relations

2

eij ,kl ekl ,ij eik , jl e jl ,ik Compatibility

0
Relations
ij , j Fi 0

Equilibrium Equations

ij ekk ij 2eij
Hookes L aw
1

eij
ij kk ij
E
E

15 Equations for 15 Unknowns

ij , eij , ui
Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Boundary Conditions
T(n)

St
R

Su
R

S = St
+ Su

Mixed
Displacement
Conditions
Conditions
Rigid-Smooth Boundary Condition Allows

Traction
Conditions

Specification of Both Traction and Displacement

But Only in Orthogonal Directions

Symmetry Line

u0
x

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

T y( n ) 0

Boundary Conditions on Coordinate Surfaces

On Coordinate Surfaces the Traction Vector Reduces to Simply
Particular Stress Components
r

xy

r
x

r
xy
r

(Cartesian Coordinate
Boundaries)

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

(Polar Coordinate
Boundaries)

Boundary Conditions on General Surfaces

On General Non-Coordinate Surfaces, Traction Vector Will Not
Reduce to Individual Stress Components and General
Traction Vector Form Must Be Used

Tx( n ) x nx xy n y S cos
Ty( n ) xy n x y n y S sin

Two-Dimensional Example

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Example Boundary Conditions

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Interface Boundary Conditions

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Fundamental Problem Classifications

Problem 1 (Traction Problem) Determine the
distribution of displacements, strains and stresses in
the interior of an elastic body in equilibrium when
body forces are given and the distribution of the
tractions are prescribed
over
the surface of the body,
( n)
(s)
(s)

T(n)

S
R

Ti ( xi ) f i ( xi )

Problem 2 (Displacement Problem) Determine the

distribution of displacements, strains and stresses in
the interior of an elastic body in equilibrium when
body forces are given and the distribution of the
displacements are prescribed
over the surface of the
(s)
(s)
ui ( xi ) g i ( xi )
body.
Problem 3 (Mixed Problem) Determine the
distribution of displacements, strains and stresses in
the interior of an elastic body in equilibrium when
body forces are given and the distribution of the
tractions are prescribed as per (5.2.1) over the
surface St and the distribution of the displacements
are prescribed as per (5.2.2) over the surface Su of
the body
Figureand
5.1).
Elasticity
Theory,(see
Applications
Numerics
M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

St

S
R

Stress Formulation
Eliminate Displacements and Strains
from Fundamental Field Equation Set
(Zero Body Force Case)
Equilibrium Equations

x yx zx

0
x
y
z
xy y zy

0
x
y
z
xz yz z

0
x
y
z

Compatibility in Terms of Stress:

Beltrami-Michell Compatibility Equations
2
(1 ) x 2 ( x y z ) 0
x
2
2
(1 ) y 2 ( x y z ) 0
y
2
2
(1 ) z 2 ( x y z ) 0
z
2
2
(1 ) xy
( x y z ) 0
xy
2
2
(1 ) yz
( x y z ) 0
yz
2
2
(1 ) zx
( x y z ) 0
zx
2

6 Equations for 6 Unknown Stresses

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Displacement Formulation
Eliminate Stresses and Strains from
Fundamental Field Equation Set
(Zero Body Force Case)
Equilibrium Equations in Terms of Displacements:
Naviers/Lames Equations

x

2 v ( )
y

2 w ( )
z
2 u ( )

u v w
0

x y z
u v w
0

x y z
u v w
0

x y z

3 Equations for 3 Unknown Displacements

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Summary of Reduction of Fundamental

Elasticity Field Equation Set
General Field Equation System
(15 Equations, 15 Unknowns:)

{ui , eij , ij ; , , Fi } 0

1
(ui , j u j ,i )
2
ij, j Fi 0
ij ( )ekk ij 2eij
eij,kl ekl ,ij eik , jl e jl ,ik 0
eij

Stress Formulation

Displacement Formulation

(6 Equations, 6 Unknowns:)

(3 Equations, 3 Unknowns: ui)

( t ) { ij ; , , Fi }

ij,kk

Elasticity

ij, j Fi 0
1

kk ,ij
ij Fk ,k Fi , j F j ,i
1
1

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

( u ) {ui ; , , Fi }
ui ,kk ( )uk ,ki Fi 0

Principle of Superposition

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Saint-Venants Principle
The stress, strain and displacement fields
due to two different statically equivalent
force distributions on parts of the body far
away from the loading points are
approximately the same

Stresses approximately the same

Elasticity

Theory, Applications and Numerics

M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Boundary loading T(n) would produce

detailed and characteristic effects only in
vicinity of S*. Away from S* stresses would
generally depend more on resultant FR of
tractions rather than on exact distribution

General Solution Strategies Used to

Solve Elasticity Field Equations
Direct Method - Solution of field equations by direct integration.
Boundary conditions are satisfied exactly. Method normally encounters
significant mathematical difficulties thus limiting its application to
problems with simple geometry.
Inverse Method - Displacements or stresses are selected that satisfy
field equations. A search is then conducted to identify a specific
problem that would be solved by this solution field. This amounts to
determine appropriate problem geometry, boundary conditions and
body forces that would enable the solution to satisfy all conditions on
the problem. It is sometimes difficult to construct solutions to a specific
problem of practical interest.
Semi-Inverse Method - Part of displacement and/or stress field is
specified, while the other remaining portion is determined by the
fundamental field equations (normally using direct integration) and
boundary conditions. Constructing appropriate displacement and/or
stress solution fields can often be guided by approximate strength of
materials theory. Usefulness of this approach is greatly enhanced by
employing Saint-Venants principle, whereby a complicated boundary
Elasticity Theory, Applications and Numerics
condition can be replaced by a simpler statically equivalent distribution.
M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode Island

Mathematical Techniques Used

to
Solve Elasticity Field
Equations
Analytical
Solution
Procedures

Power Series Method

Fourier Method
Integral Transform Method
Complex Variable Method

Approximate Solution
Procedures
- Ritz Method

Numerical Solution
Procedures
- Finite Difference Method (FDM)
Elasticity Theory, Applications
and Numerics
- Finite
Element Method (FEM)
M.H. Sadd , University of Rhode
Island
- Boundary
Element Method