Trefftz Method of Solving a 1D Coupled Thermoelasticity Problem for One- and Two-Layered Media

This paper discusses a 1D one-dimensional mathematical model for the thermoelasticity problem in a two-layer plate. Basic equations in dimensionless form contain both temperature and displacement. General solutions of homogeneous equations (displacement and temperature equations) are assumed to be a linear combination of Trefftz functions. Particular solutions of these equations are then expressed with appropriately constructed sums of derivatives of general solutions. Next, the inverse operators to those appearing in homogeneous equations are defined and applied to the right-hand sides of inhomogeneous equations. Thus, two systems of functions are obtained, satisfying strictly a fully coupled system of equations. To determine the unknown coefficients of these linear combinations, a functional is constructed that describes the error of meeting the initial and boundary conditions by approximate solutions. The minimization of the functional leads to an approximate solution to the problem under consideration. The solutions for one layer and for a two-layer plate are graphically presented and analyzed, illustrating the possible application of the method. Our results show that increasing the number of Trefftz functions leads to the reduction of differences between successive approximations.

Fractional thermoelasticity problem for an infinite solid with a penny-shaped crack under prescribed heat flux across its surfaces

The time-nonlocal generalization of the Fourier law with the ‘long-tail’ power kernel can be interpreted in terms of fractional calculus and leads to the time-fractional heat conduction equation with the Caputo derivative. The theory of thermal stresses based on this equation was proposed by the first author ( J. Therm. Stresses 28 , 83–102, 2005 ( doi:10.1080/014957390523741 )). In the present paper, the fractional heat conduction equation is solved for an infinite solid with a penny-shaped crack in the case of axial symmetry under the prescribed heat flux loading at its surfaces. The Laplace, Hankel and cos-Fourier integral transforms are used. The solution for temperature is obtained in the form of integral with integrands being the generalized Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters. The associated thermoelasticity problem is solved using the displacement potential and Love’s biharmonic function. To calculate the additional stress field which allows satisfying the boundary conditions at the crack surfaces, the dual integral equation is solved. The thermal stress field is calculated, and the stress intensity factor is presented for different values of the order of the Caputo time-fractional derivative. A graphical representation of numerical results is given. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Advanced materials modelling via fractional calculus: challenges and perspectives’.