On the uniqueness of solutions for the Dirichlet boundary value problem of linear elastostatics in the circular domain

Summary The uniqueness and mathematical stability of the Dirichlet boundary value problem of linear elastostatics is studied. The problem is posed as a set of partial differential equations in terms of displacements and Dirichlet-type of boundary conditions (displacements) for arbitrary bounded domains. Then for the circular interior domain the closed form analytical solution is obtained, using an extended version of the method of separation of variables. This method with corresponding complete solution allows for the derivation of a necessary and sufficient condition for uniqueness. The results are compared with existing energy and uniqueness criteria. A parametric study of the elastic characteristics is performed to investigate the behaviour of the displacement field and the strain energy distribution, and to examine the mathematical stability of the solution. It is found that the solution for the circular element with hourglass-like boundary conditions will be unique for all v ≠ 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and will be mathematically stable for all v ≠ 0.75. Locking of the circular element occurs for v = 0.75 as the energy tends to infinity.