A Cauchy like problem in plane elasticity

Abstract

Let \(\Omega \) be a bounded domain in the plane, representing an elastic body. Let \(\Gamma_0 \) be a portion of the boundary \(\Gamma\) of \(\Omega \), \(\Gamma_0 \) being assumed to be paralled to the \(x\)-axis. It is proposed to determine the stress field in \(\Omega \) from the displacements and surface stresses given on \(\Gamma_0 \). Under the assumption of plane stress, it is shown that \(u_x + u_y\) is a harmonic function. An Airy stress function is introduced, from which the stress field is computed.