48 Two-dimensional problems in elasticity

reduce to the single equation (1.21) for the plane strain condition. Further, from the
third of Eqs (1.42)
σz = ν(σx + σy ) (since εz = 0 for plane strain)
so that
1
εx = [(1 − ν2 )σx − ν(1 + ν)σy ]
E
and
1
εy = [(1 − ν2 )σy − ν(1 + ν)σx ]
E
Also
2(1 + ν)
γxy = τxy
E
Substituting as before in Eq. (1.21) and simplifying by use of the equations of
equilibrium we have the compatibility equation for plane strain

2 

∂ ∂2 1 ∂X ∂Y
+ (σx + σ y ) = − + (2.5)
∂x 2 ∂y2 1 − ν ∂x ∂y
The two equations of equilibrium together with the boundary conditions, from Eqs
(1.7), and one of the compatibility equations (2.4) or (2.5) are generally sufficient for
the determination of the stress distribution in a two-dimensional problem.

2.2 Stress functions

The solution of problems in elasticity presents difficulties but the procedure may be
simplified by the introduction of a stress function. For a particular two-dimensional
case the stresses are related to a single function of x and y such that substitution for the
stresses in terms of this function automatically satisfies the equations of equilibrium
no matter what form the function may take. However, a large proportion of the infinite
number of functions which fulfil this condition are eliminated by the requirement that
the form of the stress function must also satisfy the two-dimensional equations of
compatibility, (2.4) and (2.5), plus the appropriate boundary conditions.
For simplicity let us consider the two-dimensional case for which the body forces
are zero. The problem is now to determine a stress–stress function relationship which
satisfies the equilibrium conditions of
∂σx ∂τxy ⎫
+ =0 ⎪ ⎪
⎬
∂x ∂y
(2.6)
∂σy ∂τyx ⎪
⎪
+ =0 ⎭
∂y ∂x
and a form for the stress function giving stresses which satisfy the compatibility equation

2 
∂ ∂2
+ 2 (σx + σy ) = 0 (2.7)
∂x 2 ∂y
 2.3 Inverse and semi-inverse methods 49

The English mathematicianAiry proposed a stress function φ defined by the equations

∂2 φ ∂2 φ ∂2 φ
σx = σy = τxy = − (2.8)
∂y2 ∂x 2 ∂x ∂y

Clearly, substitution of Eqs (2.8) into Eqs (2.6) verifies that the equations of equilibrium
are satisfied by this particular stress–stress function relationship. Further substitution
into Eq. (2.7) restricts the possible forms of the stress function to those satisfying the
biharmonic equation
∂4 φ ∂4 φ ∂4 φ
+ 2 + =0 (2.9)
∂x 4 ∂x 2 ∂y2 ∂y4
The final form of the stress function is then determined by the boundary conditions
relating to the actual problem. Therefore, a two-dimensional problem in elasticity with
zero body forces reduces to the determination of a function φ of x and y, which satisfies
Eq. (2.9) at all points in the body and Eqs (1.7) reduced to two dimensions at all points
on the boundary of the body.

2.3 Inverse and semi-inverse methods

The task of finding a stress function satisfying the above conditions is extremely difficult
in the majority of elasticity problems although some important classical solutions have
been obtained in this way. An alternative approach, known as the inverse method, is
to specify a form of the function φ satisfying Eq. (2.9), assume an arbitrary boundary
and then determine the loading conditions which fit the assumed stress function and
chosen boundary. Obvious solutions arise in which φ is expressed as a polynomial.
Timoshenko and Goodier1 consider a variety of polynomials for φ and determine the
associated loading conditions for a variety of rectangular sheets. Some of these cases
are quoted here.

Example 2.1
Consider the stress function

φ = Ax 2 + Bxy + Cy2

where A, B and C are constants. Equation (2.9) is identically satisfied since each term
becomes zero on substituting for φ. The stresses follow from

∂2 φ
σx = = 2C
∂y2
∂2 φ
σy = = 2A
∂x 2
∂2 φ
τxy =− = −B
∂x ∂y