H. G. Georgiadis

Torsional surface waves in a gradient-elastic half-space

Abstract The present work deals with torsional wave propagation in a linear gradient-elastic half-space. More specifically, we prove that torsional surface waves (i.e. waves with amplitudes exponentially decaying with distance from the free surface) do exist in a homogeneous gradient-elastic half-space. This finding is in contrast with the well-known result of the classical theory of linear elasticity that torsional surface waves do not exist in a homogeneous half-space. The weakness of the classical theory, at this point, is only circumvented by modeling the half-space as having material properties variable with depth (E. Meissner, Elastische Oberflachenwellen mit Dispersion in einem inhomogenen Medium, Vierteljahrsschrift der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Zurich 66 (1921) 181–195; I. Vardoulakis, Torsional surface waves in inhomogeneous elastic media, Internat. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 8 (1984) 287–296; G.A. Maugin, Shear horizontal surface acoustic waves on solids, in: D.F. Parker, G.A. Maugin (Eds.), Recent Developments in Surface Acoustic Waves, Springer Series on Wave Phenomena, vol. 7, Springer, Berlin, 1988, pp. 158–172), as a layered structure (Maugin, 1988; E. Reissner, Freie und erzwungene Torsionsschwingungen des elastischen Halbraumes, Ingenieur-Archiv 8 (1937) 229–245) or by considering couplings with electric and magnetic fields for different types of materials (Maugin, 1988). The theory employed here is the simplest possible version of Mindlin’s (R.D. Mindlin, Micro-structure in linear elasticity, Arch. Rat. Mech. Anal. 16 (1964) 51–78) generalized linear elasticity. A simple wave-propagation analysis based on Hankel transforms and complex-variable theory was done in order to determine the conditions for the existence of the torsional surface motions and to derive dispersion curves and cut-off frequencies. Also, we notice that, up to date, no other generalized linear continuum theory (including the integral-type non-local theory) has successfully been proposed to predict torsional surface waves in a homogeneous half-space.

The Mode III Crack Problem in Microstructured Solids Governed by Dipolar Gradient Elasticity: Static and Dynamic Analysis

This study aims at determining the elastic stress and displacement fields around a crack in a microstructured body under a remotely applied loading of the antiplane shear (mode III) type. The material microstructure is modeled through the Mindlin-Green-Rivlin dipolar gradient theory (or strain-gradient theory of grade two). A simple but yet rigorous version of this generalized continuum theory is taken here by considering an isotropic linear expression of the elastic strain-energy density in antiplane shearing that involves only two material constants (the shear modulus and the so-called gradient coefficient). In particular, the strain-energy density function, besides its dependence upon the standard strain terms, depends also on strain gradients. This expression derives from form Il of Mindlins theory, a form that is appropriate for a gradient formulation with no couple-stress effects (in this case the strain-energy density function does not contain any rotation gradients). Here, both the formulation of the problem and the solution method are exact and lead to results for the near-tip field showing significant departure from the predictions of the classical fracture mechanics. In view of these results, it seems that the conventional fracture mechanics is inadequate to analyze crack problems in microstructured materials. Indeed, the present results suggest that the stress distribution ahead of the tip exhibits a local maximum that is bounded. Therefore, this maximum value may serve as a measure of the critical stress level at which further advancement of the crack may occur. Also, in the vicinity of the crack tip, the crack-face displacement closes more smoothly as compared to the classical results. The latter can be explained physically since materials with microstructure behave in a more rigid way (having increased stiffness) as compared to materials without microstructure (i.e., materials governed by classical continuum mechanics). The new formulation of the crack problem required also new extended definitions for the J-integral and the energy release rate. It is shown that these quantities can be determined through the use of distribution (generalized function) theory. The boundary value problem was attacked by both the asymptotic Williams technique and the exact Wiener-Hopf technique. Both static and time-harmonic dynamic analyses are provided.

Sh surface Waves in a Homogeneous Gradient-Elastic Half-Space with Surface Energy

The existence of SH surface waves in a half-space homogeneous material (i.e. anti-plane shear wave motions which decay exponentially with the distance from the free surface) is shown to be possible within the framework of the generalized linear continuum theory of gradient elasticity with surface energy. As is well-known such waves cannot be predicted by the classical theory of linear elasticity for a homogeneous half-space, although there is experimental evidence supporting their existence. Indeed, this is a drawback of the classical theory which is only circumvented by modelling the half-space as a layered structure (Love waves) or as having non-homogeneous material properties. On the contrary, the present study reveals that SH surface waves may exist in a homogeneous half-space if the problem is analyzed by a continuum theory with appropriate microstructure. This theory, which was recently introduced by Vardoulakis and co-workers, assumes a strain-energy density expression containing, besides the classical terms, volume strain-gradient and surface-energy gradient terms.

On the super-Rayleigh/subseismic elastodynamic indentation problem

The elastodynamic super-Rayleigh/subseismic indentation paradox is examined in this paper. Both the Craggs/Roberts steady-state problem and the Robinson/Thompson transient problem are reconsidered. Certain features of these solutions are discussed from a new point of view, by considering asymptotics at the end of the contact region, the influence of contact inequalities, energetics of the process and existence/uniqueness.

A Method Based on the Radon Transform for Three-Dimensional Elastodynamic Problems of Moving Loads

An integral transform procedure is developed to obtain fundamental elastodynamic three-dimensional (3D) solutions for loads moving steadily over the surface of a half-space. These solutions are exact, and results are presented over the entire speed range (i.e., for subsonic, transonic and supersonic source speeds). Especially, the results obtained here for the tangential loads (one of these loads is along the direction of motion and the other is orthogonal to the direction of motion) are quite new in the literature. The solution technique is based on the use of the Radon transform and elements of distribution theory. It also fully exploits as auxiliary solutions the ones for the corresponding plane-strain and anti-plane shear problems (the latter problems are 2D and uncoupled from each other). In particular, it should be noticed that the plane-strain problem here is completely analogous to the original 3D problem, not only with respect to the field equations but also with respect to the boundary conditions. This makes the present technique more advantageous than other techniques, which require first the determination of a fictitious auxiliary plane-strain problem through the solution of an integral equation. Our approach becomes particularly simple when there is no angular dependence in the boundary conditions (i.e., when axially symmetric problems regarding their boundary conditions are considered). On the contrary, no such constraint needs to be fulfilled as regards the material response (and, therefore, the governing equations of the problem) and/or also possible loss of axisymmetry due to the generation of shock (Mach-type) waves in the medium. Therefore, the solution technique can easily deal with general 3D problems having a largely arbitrary radial dependence in the boundary conditions and involving: (i) material anisotropy in static and dynamic situations, and (ii) asymmetry caused by changes in the nature of governing PDEs due to the existence of different velocity regimes (super-Rayleigh, transonic, supersonic) in dynamic situations.

SLIDING CONTACT WITH FRICTION OF A THERMOELASTIC SOLID AT SUBSONIC, TRANSONIC, AND SUPERSONIC SPEEDS

The steady-state two-dimensional sliding contact of a half-space by a rigid indentor subject to Coulomb friction is considered. Coupled thermoelasticity governs, and the indentor translates at any constant speed. Results show the existence of three distinctive sliding speeds in addition to those found for frictionless isothermal sliding and speed ranges for physically acceptable solutions that differ from their frictionless isothermal counterparts. Results also show that friction defines surface temperature change outside the contact zone for subsonic sliding but that such change occurs in the transonic case whether friction exists or not. Transonic sliding also exhibits a speed at which no temperature change occurs anywhere in the half-space, while surface temperature change for supersonic sliding occurs only on the contact zone and is always positive.The steady-state two-dimensional sliding contact of a half-space by a rigid indentor subject to Coulomb friction is considered. Coupled thermoelasticity governs, and the indentor translates at any constant speed. Results show the existence of three distinctive sliding speeds in addition to those found for frictionless isothermal sliding and speed ranges for physically acceptable solutions that differ from their frictionless isothermal counterparts. Results also show that friction defines surface temperature change outside the contact zone for subsonic sliding but that such change occurs in the transonic case whether friction exists or not. Transonic sliding also exhibits a speed at which no temperature change occurs anywhere in the half-space, while surface temperature change for supersonic sliding occurs only on the contact zone and is always positive.

Complex-variable and integral-transform methods for elastodynamic solutions of cracked orthotropic strips

Abstract Problems concerning cracked bodies in the form of an infinite strip subjected to antiplane stresses or displacements were solved within the context of the linear and anisotropic theory of elasticity. Two basic approaches were utilized, namely a technique based on the complex-variable theory and another based on the exponential Fourier transform and the Wiener-Hopf method. Two geometric configurations were also considered. In the first case the long strip was internally weakened by a constant-length crack, whereas in the second case by a semi-infinite crack. The problems were analyzed under the assumption of a steady-state elastodynamic crack motion.

Anti-plane shear Lamb's problem treated by gradient elasticity with surface energy

Abstract The consideration of higher-order gradient effects in a classical elastodynamic problem is explored in this paper. The problem is the anti-plane shear analogue of the well-known Lambs problem. It involves the time-harmonic loading of a half-space by a single concentrated anti-plane shear line force applied on the half-space surface. The classical solution of this problem based on standard linear elasticity was first given by J.D. Achenbach and predicts a logarithmically unbounded displacement at the point of application of the load. The latter formulation involves a Helmholtz equation for the out-of-plane displacement subjected to a traction boundary condition. Here, the generalized continuum theory of gradient elasticity with surface energy leads to a fourth-order PDE under traction and double-traction boundary conditions. This theory assumes a form of the strain-energy density containing, in addition to the standard linear-elasticity terms, strain-gradient and surface-energy terms. The present solution, in some contrast with the classical one, predicts bounded displacements everywhere. This may have important implications for more general contact problems and the Boundary-Integral-Equation Method.

Shear and torsional impact of cracked viscoelastic bodies—A Numerical integral equation/transform approach

Abstract The transient elastodynamic stress intensity factor was determined for a cracked linearly viscoelastic body under impact loading. Two separate geometries along with associated loading conditions were considered. In the first case, the body is in the form of an infinite strip containing a central finite-length crack and is subjected to anti-plane shear tractions. Various strip heights are considered including the possibility of a body of nearly infinite extent. In the second case, the body is of infinite extent containing a finite-length penny-shaped crack and is subjected to radial shear and torsional (twisting) tractions. The analytical parts of the solutions are either given by a previous analysis of H. G. Georgiadis or are obtained from results by G. C. Sih through the use of the correspondence principle. The numerical procedure consists of solving integral equations and then inverting the Laplace transformed solution by the Dubner-Abate-Crump technique. Numerical results were given for the standard linear solid by considering several combinations of material constants.

The three-dimensional steady-state thermo-elastodynamic problem of moving sources over a half space

Abstract A procedure based on the Radon transform and elements of distribution theory is developed to obtain fundamental thermoelastic three-dimensional (3D) solutions for thermal and/or mechanical point sources moving steadily over the surface of a half space. A concentrated heat flux is taken as the thermal source, whereas the mechanical source consists of normal and tangential concentrated loads. It is assumed that the sources move with a constant velocity along a fixed direction. The solutions obtained are exact within the bounds of Biot’s coupled thermo-elastodynamic theory, and results for surface displacements are obtained over the entire speed range (i.e. for sub-Rayleigh, super-Rayleigh/subsonic, transonic and supersonic source speeds). This problem has relevance to situations in Contact Mechanics, Tribology and Dynamic Fracture, and is especially related to the well-known heat checking problem (thermo-mechanical cracking in an unflawed half-space material from high-speed asperity excitations). Our solution technique fully exploits as auxiliary solutions the ones for the corresponding plane-strain and anti-plane shear problems by reducing the original 3D problem to two separate 2D problems. These problems are uncoupled from each other, with the first problem being thermoelastic and the second one pure elastic. In particular, the auxiliary plane-strain problem is completely analogous to the original problem, not only with regard to the field equations but also with regard to the boundary conditions. This makes the technique employed here more advantageous than other techniques, which require the prior determination of a fictitious auxiliary plane-strain problem through solving an integral equation.