Elliptic inclusions in a stressed matrix

Abstract

Abstract This paper treats an extension of the problem considered by the authors in a recent paper (1). The minimum energy principle of the classical theory of elasticity was used in the above paper for evaluating the elastic field when an elliptic region (the inclusion, which could be of a material different from the rest) undergoes spontaneous dimensional change in an otherwise unstrained infinite medium (the matrix). By modification of this method, it has been possible to deal with the case when the inclusion is spherical or circular and the matrix is under uniform tension at infinity (2). The present paper deals with the much more general case when the matrix is under tension, at infinity, inclined at any angle to the major axis of the elliptic inclusion. The solution has been possible by the combination of the complex variable method coupled with minimum energy principle and superposition methods of linear elasticity theory. As a consequence we immediately derive almost without further calculation many particular cases, viz. (i) the inclusion problem in a matrix under axial tension parallel to either of the axes, (ii) under all round uniform tension (or pressure) etc. It is obvious that the results for the respective cases of a circular inclusion can be deduced from these results. It also solves the problem of composite sections under external forces at infinity because of the complete freedom in choosing the elastic constant of the inclusion which can be different from that of the matrix. As a corollary, it solves the problem of a cavity under stress at infinity.