Boundary element elastic stress analysis of 3D generally anisotropic solids using fundamental solutions based on Fourier series

Abstract

The authors have very recently proposed an efficient, accurate alternative scheme to numerically evaluate etc. Green’s function, U(x), and its derivatives for three-dimensional, general anisotropic elasticity. These quantities are necessary items in the formulation of the boundary element method (BEM). The scheme is based on the double Fourier series representation of the explicit, exact, algebraic solution derived by Ting and Lee (1997) [Ting, T.C.T., Lee, V.G., 1997. The three-dimensional elastostic Green’s function for general anisotropic linear elastic solid. Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 50, 407–426] expressed in terms of Stroh’s eigenvalues. By taking advantage of some its characteristics, the formulations in this double Fourier series approach are revised and several of the analytical expressions are re-arranged in the present study. This results in significantly fewer terms to be summed in the series thereby improving further the efficiency for evaluating the Green’s function and its derivatives. These revised Fourier series representations of U(x) and its derivatives are employed in a BEM formulation for three-dimensional linear elastostatics. Some numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the veracity of the implementation and its applicability to the elastic stress analysis of generally anisotropic solids. The results are compared with known solutions in the literature where possible, and with those obtained using the commercial finite element code ANSYS. Excellent agreement is obtained in all cases.