ht. J. Pres. Ves.

& Piping 67 (1996) 95-104

0 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Limited
Printed in Northern Ireland. All rights reserved
ELSEVIER 0308-0161(94)00173-l 030%0161/96/$15,00

A general solution of an infinite elastic plate

with an elliptic hole under biaxial loading
Xin-Lin Gao
School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-01.50, USA

(Received 13 July 1995;accepted 11 August 1995)

A general analytical solution is obtained in this paper for an infinite elastic

plate with a traction-free elliptic hole subjectedto arbitrary biaxial loading.
The boundary-value problem is solved by usingthe complex potential method,
but the usual two-fold conformal transformations are avoided by employing
the elliptic-hyperbolic coordinate system,which is physical and natural. All
expressionsfor stressand displacementfields are derived in explicit form to
provide a complete analysi:sand to make the solution ready for engineering
use. With two adjustable parameters-the biaxial loading factor A and the
orientation angle P-contained in these expressions,the present solution
furnishesa most general account of the elliptic hole problem. It is shownthat
all existing solutions, including the solution of a cracked plate under biaxial
loading, can be obtained from this general solution. In addition, the solution
for an important biaxial loading case characterizing thin-walled cylindrical
pressurevessels,which has not been reported before, is also derived in the
paper asa specificcaseof the general solution.

1 INTRODUCTION The problem of an infinite plate with a

traction-free elliptic hole loaded at infinity has
Plane elasticity is a well-studied field in solid been an interesting research topic in plane
mechanics. The foundations of the theory of elasticity for more than 80 years. The very first
plane elasticity were laid half a century ago by solution of this problem was obtained by Inglis’
illuminating figures including Airy (real stress for the uni-axial (simple) tension case using
potential, 1862), Maxwell (biharmonic equation elliptic coordinates and Airy’s real potential
for Airy’s stress potential, 1868), G-oursat method. In the spirit of Inglis,2 additional
(solution of biharmonic equation, 1898), Michell solutions to this problem were provided by Coker
(material independence of stress fields, 1899), and Filon3 for the loading cases of all-round
Kolosov (complex representation and complex tension, simple tension in an arbitrarily inclined
potentials, 1909), Marguerre (biharmonic equa- direction, and uniform shear, respectively, by
tion for the displacement potential, 1933:), and using different real potentials (i.e. Airy’s stress
Muskhelishvili (Cauchy type integrals and confor- functions). The first and second cases investig-
ma1 mapping techniques, 1934), among others. A ated by Coker and Filon3 were also studied by
detailed account of the history and development Stevenson4 using the same elliptic coordinate
of the theory of plane elasticity may be found in system, but in the context of Kolosov’s complex
an excellent review paper by Teodorescul In potential method. Consequently, the heavy
contrast to the above-mentioned break-throughs, algebra involved in Coker and Filon3 was greatly
the majority of recent literature in plane elasticity reduced. As a result, Stevenson’s solutions were
is related to applications of the theory, and the adopted in the classic of Timoshenko and
rest is devoted to the refinement and/or Goodier.’
generalization of the established theory in In another classic of Muskhelishvili,6 two
various aspects. whole sections are devoted to the development of
95
96 Xin-Lin Gao

solutions of elliptic hole problems. By using the elliptic-hyperbolic coordinate system is natural
powerful techniques of Cauchy type integrals and for the elliptic hole problem. Aiming at providing
conformal transformations, he was able to find a solution ready for engineering use, we carry out
complex potentials in a direct way (apart from a the heavy algebra involved in the analysis, unlike
presumed mapping function) for several loading the previous investigators. Consequently, all
cases, among which one is the all-round (i.e. stress and displacement components are obtained
equi-biaxial) tension case-the simplest case of in explicit form in terms of the elliptic-
biaxial loading. As indicated by the author, the hyperbolic coordinates, with the biaxial loading
solution for the latter case follows immediately factor and orientation angle acting as two
from the solution for the loading case of inclined parameters. This solution is general in the sense
simple tension by virtue of the principle of that it can be reduced to other specific solutions.
superposition, which is directly applicable for this Section 4 is devoted to the analyses and
case with all-round uniform boundary conditions extensions of the general solution derived in
and governed by the linear biharmonic equation. Section 3. By specifying the biaxial loading
However, for any other biaxial-loading case the factor, the orientation angle and/or the elliptic
non-uniform boundary conditions require addi- hole geometry, we recover all solutions now
tional considerations in applying the principle of available to us, including the solution for a
superposition and, as a result, it is not a task as cracked plate under arbitrary-biaxial loading.
easy as for the all-round tension. This may A summary of the analytical development
explain why no full-field solution has been presented in the paper is provided in Section 5.
reported for a case of biaxial loading other than
equi-biaxial by using the superposition principle.
Since most structural components in engineer- 2 PRELIMINARIES
ing are not in an equi-biaxial or uni-axial stress 2.1 Formulae in plane elasticity
state, a general solution for the case of
arbitrary-biaxial loading is needed. Such a By introducing the Airy stress function and using
solution will provide a more flexible theoretical two complex potentials, as proposed by Kolosov
basis for engineering analysis like the opening and expounded by Muskhelishvili,6 the usual
and reinforcement design in pressure vessel Cartesian stress components (crX, oYy’rX,) and
technology. displacement components (u, V) in a plane elastic
In the present work we intend to provide such field, in the absence of body forces, may be
a general solution. By introducing an orientation represented by
angle and by invoking a biaxial loading factor, as
a, + uy = 4 Re q’(z),
was done in Gao’ and Gao et ~1.’ for (1)
elasto-plastic plates with an elliptic hole and a uy - a, + 2iz,, = 2[%p”(Z) + X”(Z)], I
circular hole, respectively, various biaxial loading and
cases can be included in one model. Conse- --
2G(u + iv) = K&) - zcp’(z> -f(z), (2)
quently, the present analysis furnishes a most
general solution of an infinite elastic plate with a where K = 3 - 4~ for plane strain and K =
traction-free elliptic hole and subject to biaxial (3 - ~)/(l + Y) for plane stress, and G and Y are
loading at infinity, with all existing solutions the shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio, respec-
being included as its specific cases. tively. In eqns (1) and (2) 4(z) and x(z) are two
In Section 2, we record, for later use, the basic holomorphic functions of the complex variable
formulae in plane elasticity. The complex z =x + iy to be determined from boundary
potential reprsentation of Kolosov is adopted. conditions. In this way, solving a two-dimensional
Also presented are the essential relations elasticity problem is then reduced to finding such
associated with the elliptic-hyperbolic coordinate holomorphic functions. We note in passing that
system. the stress field of a plane elasticity problem, as
The boundary-value problem is formulated in shown in eqn (l), is independent of material
Section 3. We choose to use Stevenson’s4 properties G and V. This was first discovered by
approach instead of Muskhelishvili’s6 for its Michell’ in a more general context.
relative simplicity and directness-the trans- In an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system
formed plane is also physical and, still more, the (5, q), transformed from the Cartesian system
 A general solution of an infinite elastic plate 97

(x, y), the stress and displacement components equi-biaxial loading was obtained by Gao and
are determined from the Cartesian components Wei’O using this coordinate system.
by (see, for example, Timoshenko and Goodier’) For a given elliptic hole of semi-axes a and b,
and with its centre at the origin (x, y) = (0,O) and
ug + u, = a, + uy,
(3) major axis along the x-axis, we have from eqn (8)
I
u, - ug + 2ir,, = (a, - a, + 2izX,V)e2icI, that
and a = c cash to, b = c sinh to,
(10)
ug + iu, = (U + iv)e-‘“, (4) where to = const. represents the hole boundary.
where ug is the normal component on a curve The solution of this equation system gives
5 = const., CT,, is the normal component on a
curve q = const., rcl, is the shear component on c = vim, to = cash-’ q-g&. WJJ)
both curves; ug is the component in the
&increasing direction, U, is the component in the For the present case, it follows from eqns (6) and
q-increasing direction; and cy is the angle (5a,b) that
between the tangent to the curve 7 = const. and sinh c
,ia =
x-axis. For the system (5, 7) generated by the e2in
= z, (12a,b)
transformation z =f(f), b = 6 + in = ye’” (with dcosh2 5 - cos2 17’
Y = Ill, 8 = Arg l, as usual), we have noting that the axis of 8 = 0 in c-plane is identical
to the x-axis in z-plane. Here and in the sequel
eia = ,iO f’(l) e2irr = ,2i*f’(%)
(50) the superposed bar denotes the conjugate of the
If WI ’ f’(s)’ complex variable/function.

2.2 Elliptic-hyperbolic coordinate system 3 FORMULATION OF THE BOUNDARY-

VALUE PROBLEM
This is an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate
system generated by the transformation function Consider the problem of an infinite plate with an
z = c cash l,
(6) elliptic hole subjected to arbitrary-biaxial load-
ing, assuming that the major axis of the elliptic
where c is a constant, and z =x + iy and hole has an arbitrary orientation angle /3 relative
l= 5 + iv are the complex variables in the to x’-direction, the minor loading axis. The
physical and transformed planes, respectively. In problem configuration is given in Fig, 1, where
components, eqn (6) has the form the coordinate systems, loading conditions and
x = c cash 5 cos q, (7) y = c sinh 6 sin r]. hole geometry are shown in details.
The boundary conditions of this problem are
Clearly, for 5 = const. eqn (7) defines a family of
ellipses
X2 u’5 = 0, zt,=O on[=&,
Y2
(c cash 6)” ’ (c sinh [)’ = I’ (8)
W,b)
and for 7 = const. it defines a family of where (T is the uniform tension along y’-
hyperbolas direction, the major loading axis, and h, defined
by A = a,.(~)/cr,J~), is the biaxial loading factor
X2
y2 cl (see Gao et al.‘), ranging from --03 to +m.
(ccos~)2-(csin~)2 ’ (9) By regarding ox’y’ as a special kind of
which are orthogonal to the ellipses defined in orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system, we
then obtain from eqn (3) that
eqn (8).
Obviously, this elliptic-hyperbolic coordinate
system is a natural choice for an infinite plate
with an elliptic hole, just like choosing the polar
coordinate system for a plate with a circu1a.r hole.
An elasto-plastic solution for such a plate under where p is the orientation angle of the hole.
98 Xin- Lin Gao

Fig. 1. The problem configuration.

Then using eqn (14) in eqn (13a) will give tally. Then it follows from eqn (16) that
a, f uy = (1 + h)a at (z]-+ a, q’(z) = +(A + B coth l),
cry- ux + 2iz,, = (1 - h)ae-“@ at )zJ-+ co. I
(1W) [C + 20 sinh 2<
Note that these boundary conditions are similar + 2E cash 2l],
to those for the case of simple tension, and that
the B.C.s on ,$= to are identical in both cases. zcp”(z) + x”(z) = 4 si;h3 J [-B cash c - C cash c
Then following Stevenson’s4 solution for the case
i
of inclined simple tension, we take for the
+ 40 sinh3 4
present biaxial-loading case the complex poten-
tials of the form + 2E cash 5(2 sinh2 4 - l)]. I
49(z) = AC cash < + Bc sinh c, UWw)
4x(z) = Cc”6 + Dc2 cash 25 + EC* sinh 21; 1 Thus using eqns (18a,c) in eqn (1) will yield
(16)
where A, B, C, D, and E are complex constants a;, + cry = $[(A + 2) + (B coth [
to be determined from the boundary conditions. f B coth ;)I, I
These two complex potentials are obviously
holomorphic functions in the whole plate, and uy - a, + 2iz,, = 2 ,i~h3 b [-(B ‘Osh f;
thus Airy’s real stress potential, Y(x, y) = Y(z, Z),
defined by them through Goursat’s formula + C cash S) + 40 sinh3 b
y’(z, a = %w(z>+ Mz) + x(z) + XWI (17) + 2E cash ((2 sinh’ 5 - l)].
satisfies the biharmonic equation V4Y = 0 identi- (19)
 A general solution of an infinite elastic plate 99

Applying these to eqns (15a,b) and noting that (2A sinh 25, - B cash 25, + B cash 25, - 4E)
coth 54 1, cash l/sinh3 b + 0 as (z/-+ ~0, we then X cash 5 + (B sinh 2&, - 2A cash 25,
obtain
- B sinh 25, - 40) sinh 5
Re(A+B)=(l+A) a, 2(0 + E) = (1 - A)aeP2@.
cash 5
(20) +(Bcosh2&+C+2E)--== 0,
sinh2 g
Note from eqns (19), (16) and (2) that the ‘d[ on 5 = &. (26)
imaginary part of A, i.e. ImA, has no
contribution to stresses and leads, at most, to a Hence, it is necessary that
rigid-body displacement. Hence, we set ImA =0 2A sinh 25, - B cash 25b + B cash 25, - 4E = 0,
and take
B sinh 25, - 2A cash 2& - B sinh 25,, - 40 = 0,
A=ReA, B=B,+iB,, C=C,+iC,, Bcosh2&+C++E=O. I
(21)
D=D,+iD,, E=E,+iE,, (27)
By using eqn (21) in eqn (27) and then
where A, B1, B,, C1, C,, D1, Dz, El, and Ez are comparing the coefficients of the two sides of
real constants. Then using eqn (21) in elqn (20) each equation, we obtain
yields
A sinh 2& - 2E, = 0, 2E, + B, cash 25,, = 0,
A f B, = (1 + A)cr, 2(D, + E,) = (1 - A)” cos 2& A cash 2& + 20, = 0, B, sinh 2&, - 20, = 0,
2(& + E2) = -(l - A)u sin 2p. B, cash 2&, + C, + 2E, = 0,
(22) B, cash 260 + C2 + 2E2 = 0. i
Next, substituting eqns (12b) and (1) into (3) will (28)
give
Thus combining eqns (22) and (28) forms a
u5 + u, = 4 Re q’(z), system of 9 equations for 9 unknowns A - Ez.
The solution of this system gives
sinh 5
flI, - 0, f 2ir,, = 2[2yY(z) + x”(z)] a. A = (A - l)ae2c0 cos 2/?, \

(23a,b) B, = [(l + A) - (A - l)e2Eocos 2p]~,

B, = (1 - h)aezSOsin 2&
Subtracting (23b) from (23a) yields
C, = [-(1 + A) cash 25, + (A - 1) cos 2P]a,
sinh 5 c, = 0, ) (29)
ug - iz*, = 2 Re q’(z) - [Zcp”(z) +x”(z)] zcZ.
D, = -$(A - l)ae250 cash 2& cos 2p,
(24) D2 = $(l - h)ce2fo sinh 2&, sin 2p,
Substituting eqns (18a,c) into this equation and E, = $(A - l)crez5” sinh 25, cos 2/3,
then using eqn (13b) in the resulting equation E2 = $(A - l)oe2co cash 25, sin 2p.
will lead to /
Equations (16), (21) and (29) furnish the complex
(2A + B coth S) sinh r + B + +&--j cash.c potentials $(z), x(z) that have satisfied the
governing equation and all boundary conditions,
cash 5 and thus they will solve the present problem if
+(C+2E)--- they give single-valued displacements.
sinh2 5 Now we are in a position to derive the
expressions of the stress and displacement
- 40 sinh 5 - 4E cash 5
IIS=&
= 0. (25) components.
Substituting eqns. (19) and (12b) into eqn (3)
Note that on 5 = &, there is %+ l= 25,, i.e. and separating real and imaginary parts of the
c = 25, - 9. Then eqn (25) can be reduced to second equation will yield
100 Xin-Lin Gao

(T +a =A + cos 2p (sinh 25 - cash 25,)

6 cash’ 5 - co? q
7, 2 2A+B,sinh2[+B,sin2q >’ + cash 2(5 - &,) cos 2(7j - p)]
1 1 1 (1 - h)aez5”
a7)-u’= -4(cosh25.-cos2q)2 - 2(cosh 25 - cos 2~)~
X [B, sinh 25(cos 2~ - cash 25,) x [sin 2p sin 2q(cosh 25 - cash 25,)
I
+ Bz sin 2q(cosh 2[ - cash 2&J] + cos 2j3 sinh 25(cos 2’1 - cash 2&J]
+1 1 (l+ A)o
2 cosh2 5 - co? 77 +l
2 (cash 28 - cos 2~)~
x sinh 2[(cosh 25 + cash 2& - 2 cos 2~),
X- {A[sinh
2 cash 2&,(cosh
25, sinh 25
25co? 7) - cash’ [)I I
cos 2~ 1 (1 - A)ge2*0
Z& = -
+ B, cash 2(5 - &) sin 2r]}, 2 (cash 26 - cos 2~)~
1 1 x ((cash 25 - cos 2T)[sinh 2(5 - &,)
Z& = - -
8 (cosh2 5 - co? q)2 x sin 2(77 - p) - sinh 25, sin 2/3]
x [B, sinh 25(cos 2~ - cash 25,)
- [sin 2p sinh 25(cos 277- cash 2&b)
+ B, sin 2q(cosh 2&, - cash 25)] ~ ’ + cos 2p sin 2q(cosh 2&, - cash 2,$)]}
+1 1 1 (1+ A)”
4 cash’ z$- co? 7) - !i (cash 25 - cos 27j)2
x {-A sin 277sinh 2(5 - &J x sin 27 (cash 2~5,- cash 25).
(31)
+- B,[2
cosh2sinh
[) - 2&(cosh
cash 25,,26
sinh
co?2577
cos 2~1). I These are the expressions of the stress
(30) components.
Similarly, by using eqns (2), (12a), (16a),
Substituting eqn (29) into this equation and
(18a,b), (lla) and (29) in eqn (4) and carrying
carrying out the lengthy algebraic manipulations
out the lengthy algebra we obtain
will finally give
ug = $(A - l)oe2(” cos 2p ti u (1+ A)vicP
ue =--16 G qcosh 25 - cos 27
- h)ue250
+ 1 (1 [sin 2p sin 27
2cosh 25 - cos 27 x [(K - 1) cash 25 - (K + 1) cos 27
+ cos 2P(sinh 25 + cash 2&J + 2 cash 2&b]
- cos 2(77 - p) cash 2(5 - &,)I Lb CT(1 - A)mezCa
+--
+1 (1 - h)ae250 16 G dcosh 25 - cos 2rj
2 (cash 25 - cos 2~)~ X {cos 2/3 [( K - l)ee2* + 2e-250
x [sin 2/3 sin 2q(cosh 26 - cash 2&J - (K + 1) COS 2171
+ cos 2p sinh 25(cos 27 - cash 2&J] - 2 sinh 2( 5 - &) cos 2( v - p)},
(1+ A)” V!? u (1 - A)me2co
+’ ” = iii E dcosh 25 - cos 277
2 (cash 26 - cos 27j)
X sinh 2{(cosh 25 - cash 2&J, x (2 cash 2( 5 - 6,) sin 2( 7~- j3)

ur, = $(A - l)ge**” cos 2p + 2(K - 1) COS v Sin(7j - 2p)

f sin 2p [( K - 1) + (K + 1) cash 25]},

+ 1 (’ - h)ae2”” [sin 2p sin 2q
2 (cash 25 - cos 27) (32)
 A general solution of an infinite elastic plate 101

where &, is given in eqn (llb), and K, G are Clearly, eqn (33) shows that the stress and
defined previously. These are the expressions of displacement components are all independent of
the displacement components. Obviously, eqn the orientation angle p in this case. This implies
(32) shows that the displacement components, that the case of equi-biaxial loading is actually
unlike the stress components given in eqn (31), equivalent to the case of all-round tension. Thus
depend on material properties K and G. eqn (33) gives the stress and displacement fields
It is now clear from eqn (32) that for 5 = const. in the plate under all-round tension.
(and known /3, &, a/G, and K) both l+ and u, It is of particular interest to note from eqn (33)
are periodic in q with the period of 2~. Hence, that u, = 0 for any (5, v) in the plate, i.e. every
we have u&t, r]) = u,([, q + 27~) and u.,,([, 7) = ellipse 5 = cons& including the hole boundary
~~(6, q + 2n) for any (6, 7) in the pl,ate. This 5= 50, is only uniformly stretched without
means that the displacements are single-valued distortion under all-round tension. This fact has
for the present double-connected plate with an not been explicitly shown in the literature,
elliptic hole. Thus it is concluded that the though it is as expected. A possible reason for
complex potentials given in eqns (16), (21) and this is that the displacements were computed only
(29) do solve the boundary-value problem in for the Cartesian components (see, for example,
question. Timoshenko and Goodie?), but not for the
Furthermore, note that the present problem, curvilinear components.
with stresses prescribed on all boundaries, is a In particular, it follows from eqn (33) that on
boundary-value problem of first type (i.e. the the elliptic hole boundary [ = &,
Dirichlet BVF) in plane elasticity. Then it follows
(see, for example, Tiffen,ll Muskhelishvili6) that 2a sinh 2&
ug = 0, u, = z&l= 0.
this solution for stresses and displacements, as cash 2&, - CDS277’
given in eqns (31) and (32), is also unique.
W&c)
4 ANALYSES AND APPLICATIONS OF These are identical to those given in Timoshenko
THE GENERAL SOLUTION and Goodier.5 Note that from eqns (10) and
(lla) we have
From the analytical expressions of the general
solution obtained in the preceding section, some 2ab
specific solutions may now be derived as its sinh 25,, = ____ cash 2&, = a$$. (35)
a2 7 b2 ’
special cases.
Then eqn (34b) may be rewritten as
4.1 Solution for the case of all-round tension
b
For the equi-biaxial loading case, we have h = 1.
It then follows from eqns (31) and (32), with
A = 1, that
\
sinh 2t(cosh 25 - cash 2&J
uE = u (cash 25 - cos 2~)~ ’ This was also given in Gao and Wei’O as an
example. Now it follows from eqn (36) that
sinh 2[(cosh 25 + cash 25, - 2 cos 27)
u, = u ,
(cash 26 - cos 2~)’
sin 277(cash 25 - cash 25,)
Th = u >
(cash 25 - cos 2~)~ ’
In particular, for a = b, i.e. the case of circular
VLT viFF hole, eqn (37) gives (c,,&,~~= (g8)max= 2~. This
UC=---8 G qcosh 25 - cos 2r7
result is well-known in mechanical design.
x [(K - 1) cash 25 - (K + 1) cos 277 With these analyses, we have recovered the
+ 2 cash 2&J, known solution for the case of all-round tension.
Especially, with the full-field solution obtained
u, = 0. ! explicitly in eqn (33) we have made the elastic
(33) analysis for this specific case complete.
102 Xin-Lin Gao

4.2 Solution for the case of inclined simple This is identical to that obtained in Coker and
tension Filon3 for the pure shear loading case by using
the real potential method of Airy.
For this case, we have A = 0 but p # 0 in general. By setting A = -1 and j3 = 376/4 in eqns (31)
Setting A = 0 in eqn (29) and using eqn (21) and (32), we obtain the stress and displacement
will yield fields for the pure shear loading case. In
A = -uez50 cos 2p, B = a[1 + e2@otiP)], particular, on the elliptic hole 5 = &, we obtain
C = -a(cosh 25, + cos 2p), 2ue260sin 2’1
a< = 0, (TV= - rbl = 0.
D = iue*co cash 2(5, + ip), (38) cash 2t0 - cos 27 ’
E = --iue2co sinh 2(5, + i/3). i (43)
These are essentially identical to those given in Again, these are identical to those given in Coker
Timoshenko and Goodier’ if we note the fact and Filon3 Hence, we have recovered the
that p here corresponds to p + n/2 there. This solution for the pure shear loading case. Also,
means that the solution for the case of inclined with the full-field solution being provided we
simple tension is included in our general solution have made the elastic analysis for this specific
as a special case with A = 0. loading case complete.
By setting A = 0 in eqns (31) and (32), we then
obtain the stress and displacement fields for this
specific case. 4.4 Solution of a cracked plate under biaxial
Again, we remark that such an explicit loading
full-field solution has not been reported before.
For this case, we have b = 0. Also, we take p = 0,
i.e. considering a crack of opening mode, for
4.3 Solution for the case of pure shear simplicity.
Setting b = 0, p = 0 in eqn (29) and using eqn
It can easily be shown that this case is equivalent (21) will yield
to the biaxial loading case with A = -1 and A = (A - l)a, B=2a, C= -2a,
p = 3n/4. (44)
From eqns (15a,b) it follows, with A = -1, that D=+(l-A)a, E=O.
u,+u,=O at\z\-+a, Then using eqn (44) in eqn (16) leads to
Wa,b)
uy - 0, + 2iz,, = 2oeeziP at 1.zI+ co.I 49(z) = (A - 1) UC cash c + 2ac sinh 5,
For pure shear loading, there is u, = 0 = aY and 4x(z) = -2m*5 + $(l - A)uc* cash 25.
zXY= z > 0 (say). Then we obtain from eqns (45)
(39a,b), by imposing these conditions, that
Now from eqns (6), (10) and (lla) it follows,
cos 2p = 0, sin 2p < 0, and thus /3 = 3n/4.
with b = 0, that
Now setting A = -1 and p = 37c/4 in eqn (29)
and using eqn (21) will give
t&=0, c=a, coshi=;,
A = 0, B = -i2ue2c0, C = 0,
(40) ApTi?
D = -iue2co sinh 25,, E = iue2socash 2&,. sinh 5 = 5 =ln f(z +-)I.
a ’
Then substituting eqn (40) into eqn (16) yields
(46)
q(z) = -i$ue*% sinh l,
(41) Then substituting eqn (46) into eqn (45) will give
x(z) = i$ae2Q2 sinh 2(c - &).
q(z) = &T[vFT + $(A - l)z], -j

* (47)
These are the complex potentials for the present
loading case. Using eqns (41) and (6) in eqn (17)
and doing some algebra will give Airy’s real
x’(z)
=iu[(1-A>z
-q& 11
stress potential for this case as These are the complex potentials for a cracked
$ = - &rc2[e25+ e420-zf- 2eZeo]sin 277. (42) plate under arbitrary-biaxial loading. Differentia-
 A gene& solution of an infinite elastic pfate 103

tion of eqn (47) with respect to z will then give for this loading case. In particular, on the elliptic
the results identical to those reported in Sih12 hole boundary 6 = &, we obtain
using Muskhelishvili’& method. UC= 0,
The stress-displacement fields can then be
computed by using eqn (47) in eqns (1) and (2). sinh 25,
u,=u 3
However, they may also follow from eqns (31) [ cash 2& - cos 217
and (32) directly. For example, by setting b = 0
sinh 2&,
and /3 = 0 in eqn (31) and noting that on y = 0
there are q = 0, n, cash 5 = xla, a6 = ux, a- = uy
and r5,, = rXy, we then obtain the results
+ e2501 -
cash 2&, - cos 2~ )1
’ W,W
z,, = 0.
c&l = u- (A - 1) + $Ep Using eqn (35) in eqn (51b) will lead to
[ I
(4% %/6=60
rl+% 2bla
= ?a * 1 + b2/a2 - (1 - b’/a”) cos 277
for x #a. Clearly, a;, a; become singular as
x -+ a. Also, we note that crylyZOis indepe.ndent of
h. These are now well-known results in linear
elastic fracture mechanics,
)I (52)
Then it follows that
Thus it is concluded that the solution for a
cracked plate under arbitrary-biaxial lolading is u, Imax= ~&=&w7=0.n
also included in the present solution as a special
case. (53)

4.5 Solution for the loading case with A = 2 and In particular, for an elliptic hole with a = 2b we
p=o obtain from eqn (53) that
UTImax= 3u. (54)
This loading case characterizes thin-walled
cylindrical shells (membranes) with an elliptic This result is well-known in the opening and
opening, as it is known in pressure vessel reinforcement design of cylindrical pressure
technology that for such a shell the ratio of hoop vessels.
stress to axial stress is 2: 1 and that the elliptic
hole is designed to have its major axis along the
5 SUMMARY
hoop direction.
Now setting A = 2, p = 0 in eqn (29) and using
The present solution is obtained for an infinite
eqn (21) will lead to elastic plate with an elliptic hole subjected to
A = uezCo, B = (3 - ezSO)u, arbitrary-biaxial loading. The complex potential
C = (1 - 3 cash 2&,)u, (49) method is used to formulate the boundary-value
problem, and the ehiptic-hyperbolic coordinate
D = -$a cash 2&,e2~D, E = fu sinh 2&,e2~0.I
system is adopted to simplify the formulation.
Then substituting eqn (49) into eqn (16) yields The analysis is carried out in the spirit of
49(z) = uc[ezCocash < + (3 - ez6) sinh <], Stevenson,4 but with the emphasis on generaliza-
I ’ (50) tion and completeness. All expressions for the
4x(z) = &~c~[2(1- 3 cash 2&,)f stress and displacement components are derived
-e2co cash 2( { - &,)I. J in explicit form and for the whole plate. This
differs from those provided by previous
investigators.
These are the complex potentials for the present The solution is general in the sense that it
case. contains two adjustable parameters A and p. By
By setting h = 2, p = 0 in eqns (31) and (32), specifying h. and/or /3, we have shown that all
we then obtain the stress and displacement. fields previous solutions are included in the present
104 Xin-Lin Gao

solution as its specific cases. In addition, we have Mechanics Surveys, (ed. H. N. Abramson, et al.).
also derived the solution for the biaxial loading Spartan Books, Washington,D.C., 1966,pp. 245-62.
‘2. Inglis, C. E., Stressesin a plate due to the presenceof
case characterizing thin-walled cylindrical shells, cracks and sharp corners. Trans. Inst. Naval Architects,
which is of particular interest in pressure vessel 55 (1913) 219-30.
technology. Other specific solutions can easily be 3. Coker, E. G. & Filon, L. N. G., A Treatise on
obtained in a similar way. Photo-elasticity. Cambridge University Press, Cambr-
idge, 1931,pp. 532-54.
Finally, it should be pointed out that in the 4. Stevenson, A. C., Complex potentials in two-
present analysis the hole boundary is assumed to dimensional elasticity. Proc. Roy. Sot. Lond., A184
be traction-free. The solution for an infinite (1945) 129-79.
5. Timoshenko, S. P. & Goodier, J. N., Theory of
elastic plate with an elliptic inclusion (in- Elasticity, 3rd edn. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1970, pp.
homogeneity) can be quite different (see, for 185-94.
example, Stevenson4 Muskhelishvil?j). 6. Muskhelishvili, N. I., Some Basic Problems of the
Mathematical Theory of Elasticity. P. Noordhoff,
Groningen, Holland, 1953,pp. 104-56, 139-44, 333-52.
7. Gao, Xin-Lin, The analysisof stressand strain fields as
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS well as the failure behaviour of the elliptically notched
platessubjectedto biaxial loading. Master’s Thesis,East
China University of Science and Technology (formerly
A part of this work was finished in 1991 when the ECUCT), Shanghai,China, 1989.
writer was associated with the Department (II) of 8. Gao, Xin-Lin, Wei, Xue-Xia & Wang, Zi-Kung, A
Mechanical Engineering at the Gansu University general analytical solution of a strain-hardening
elasto-plastic plate containing a circular hole subjected
of Technology in China. The encouragement and to biaxial loading-with applicationsin pressurevessels.
support of Drs D. J. Steigmann and P. Schiavone Int. J. Pres. Ves. & Piping, 47 (1991)35-5.5.
of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at 9. Michell, J. H., On the direct determination of stressin
an elastic solid, with application to the theory of plates.
the University of Alberta in Canada in the Proc. Lond. Math. Sot., 31 (1899) 100-24.
preparation of this paper are gratefully 10. Gao, Xin-Lin & Wei, Xue-Xia, A general analytical
acknowledged. solution of a strain-hardeningelastic-plastic plate with
an elliptical hole subjectedto equal-biaxial tension. J.
Gansu Univ. Technology, 18 (1992) 8-16.
11. Tiffen, R., Uniqueness theorems of two-dimensional
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