Lamb’s problem: a brief history

Abstract

In this review note, a historical scientific investigation is presented for Lamb’s problem in the mathematical theory of elasticity. This problem first appeared in 1904 in the pioneering paper of Professor Sir Horace Lamb (Lamb, H. On the propagation of tremors over the surface of an elastic solid. Philos Trans R Soc Lon 1904; 203: 1–42). Of special interest here are the analytical studies of the three-dimensional version of Lamb’s problem, which consists of a semi-infinite, homogeneous, isotropic elastic solid that is set in motion by the exertion of a dynamical point force applied suddenly on the surface of the domain. The objective of this paper is to offer a comprehensive introduction to Lamb’s problem for the reader, along with discussing its mathematical complexities. An account is given of the history of this ever-significant problem from its earlier stages to the more recent investigations via outlining and discussing different rigorous approaches and methods of solution that have been hitherto suggested. The limitations of different methods, if they exist, are also discussed. Eventually, various solution methods are compared considering their nature, advantages, and restrictions.