Boundary integral equations and Green׳s functions for 2D thermoelectroelastic bimaterial

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the 2D boundary integral equations, Green׳s functions and boundary element method for thermoelectroelastic bimaterials containing cracks and thin inclusions. Based on the extended Stroh formalism, complex variable approach and the Cauchy integral formula, the paper derives integral formulae for the Stroh complex functions, and Somigliana type integral identities for 2D thermoelectroelastic bimaterial. The kernels arising in the integral formulae are obtained explicitly and in a closed-form. It is proved that these kernels are fundamental solutions for a line extended force and a line heat. The far-field mechanical, electric and thermal load and internal volume load are accounted for in the obtained integral formulae. The latter allow to derive boundary integral equations for a bimaterial containing holes, cracks and thin inclusions, and to develop the corresponding boundary element approach. Special tip boundary elements used in the analysis allow accurate determination of the stress and electric displacement intensity factors for cracks and thin deformable inclusions. Several numerical examples are considered that show the validity and efficiency of the developed boundary element approach in the analysis of defective thermoelectroelastic anisotropic bimaterials.