On generalized Kelvin solutions in a multilayered elastic medium

Abstract

This paper presents fundamental singular solutions for the generalized Kelvin problems of a multilayered elastic medium of infinite extent subjected to concentrated body force vectors. Classical integral transforms and a backward transfer matrix method are utilized in the analytical formulation of solutions in both Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates. The solution in the transform domain has no functions of exponential growth and is invariant with respect to the applied forces. The convergence of the solutions in the physical domain is rigorously and analytically verified. The solutions satisfy all required constraints including the basic equations and the interfacial conditions as well as the boundary conditions. In particular, singular terms of the generalized Kelvin solutions associated with the point and ring types of concentrated body force vectors are obtained in exact closed-forms via an asymptotic analysis. Numerical results presented in the paper illustrate that numerical evaluation of the solutions can be easily achieved with very high accuracy and efficiency and that the layering material inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the elastic field.