A circular inclusion with circumferentially inhomogeneous imperfect interface in harmonic materials

Abstract

In the following analysis, we present a rigorous solution for the problem of a circular elastic inclusion surrounded by an infinite elastic matrix in finite plane elastostatics. The inclusion and matrix are separated by a circumferentially inhomogeneous imperfect interface characterized by the linear spring-type imperfect interface model where the interface is such that the same degree of imperfection is realized in both the normal and tangential directions. Through the use of analytic continuation, a set of first-order coupled ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients are developed for two analytic potential functions. The unknown coefficients of the potential functions are determined from their analyticity requirements and some additional problem-specific constraints. An example is then presented for a specific class of interface where the inclusion mean stress is contrasted between the homogeneous interface and inhomogeneous interface models. It is shown that, for circumstances where a homogeneously imperfect interface may not be warranted, the inhomogeneous model has a pronounced effect on the mean stress within the inclusion.