On state-space elastostatics within a plane stress sectorial domain – the wedge and the curved beam

The plane stress sectorial domain is analysed according to a state-space formulation of the linear theory of elasticity. When loading is applied to the straight radial edges (flanks), with the circular arcs free of traction, one has the curved beam; when loading is applied to the circular arcs, with the flanks free of traction, one has the elastic wedge. A complete treatment of just one problem (the elastic wedge, say) requires two state-space formulations; the first describes radial evolution for the transmission of the stress resultants (force and moment), while the second describes circumferential evolution for determination of the rates of decay of self-equilibrated loading on the circular arcs, as anticipated by SaintVenant’s principle. These two formulations can be employed subsequently for the curved beam, where now radial evolution is employed for the Saint-Venant decay problem, and circumferential evolution for the transmission modes. Power-law radial dependence is employed for the wedge, and is quite adequate except for treatment of the so-called wedge paradox; for this, and the curved beam, the formulations are modified so that lnr takes the place of the radial coordinate r. The analysis is characterised by a preponderance of repeating eigenvalues for the transmission modes, and the state-space formulation allows a systematic approach for determination of the eigenand principal vectors. The so-called wedge paradox is related to accidental eigenvalue degeneracy for a particular angle, and its resolution involves a principal vector describing the bending moment coupled to a decay eigenvector. Restrictions on repeating eigenvalues and possible Jordan canonical forms are developed. Finally, symplectic orthogonality relationships are derived from the reciprocal theorem. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.