Analytical solution for motion of an elliptical inclusion in gradient stress field

Abstract

We present a rigorous analytical solution for motion of an elliptical inclusion in isotropic matrix driven by gradient stress field. The interfacial diffusion is considered as the dominant mechanism for the motion. We demonstrate that normal stress gradient on the interface is the major driven force, while the strain energy density gradient is negligible. A key prediction of the solution is that for a given inclusion the motion velocity is proportional to stress gradient only, indicating that the solution is applicable for inclusion motion in nonuniform stress field of varying stress gradient, and that the inclusion tends to move towards the region of lower stress in nonuniform stressed materials.