Abstract
A general analysis methodology is developed to obtain accurate elasticity solutions of the singular stress fields associated with free edges and interfaces in multilayered structures under thermo-mechanical loads. Approximate solutions based on finite element or variational methods are used to provide traction boundary conditions on a circular path encircling the singularity. The singular elasticity solution of the region interior to the path is then determined in terms of eigenfunction expansion and by using boundary collocation. Results for a bilayer beam under a temperature load demonstrate that the interfacial stresses may be significantly contributed by non-singular eigenfunctions. Hence full elasticity solutions of the present type, rather than asymptotic solutions, may be required to assess the criticality and mode ratio of the interfacial actions across critical regions of the interface.
