Graduate The field equations of elasticity

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the classification of the field equations of elasticity within mathematical equations, specifically whether they fall under elliptic, parabolic, or hyperbolic categories. It is noted that the equation for displacement in an elastic medium is hyperbolic, characterized by two time derivatives and two space derivatives with positive coefficients. Participants confirm that Navier's equations relate to this classification. The conversation also touches on the potential drawbacks of categorizing equations, suggesting that names may sometimes hinder understanding. Ultimately, the focus remains on identifying the correct mathematical classification for elasticity equations.
Trying2Learn
Messages
375
Reaction score
57
TL;DR
What is the mathematical category of the field equations of elasticity?
First, my ignorance... I know there are classes of equations: Laplace, Poisson, Wave, Diffusion, etc.

(I suppose Laplace is a subset of Poisson, but that is not the issue).

Into what category of mathematical equations would you place the field equations of elasticity (stress/strain/displacement)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do you feel that they need to have a specific name?
 
Chestermiller said:
Why do you feel that they need to have a specific name?
Oh, I don't -- not in the least. Sometimes, names and categories undermine learning.

However, I DO know there are names given to the various types of differential equations and I am only interested to know if the field equations of elasticity are part of a particular category.
 
The relevant categorisation is as elliptic (Poisson), parabolic (diffusion) or hyperbolic (wave).

The equation for displacement of an elastic medium has at leading order two time derivatives on the left and two space derivatives on the right, both with positive coefficieints; we have therefore a hyperbolic system.
 
Are you talking about Navier's equations?
 
Yes to Mason and hunt
 
Mason7 said:
I think you are talking about Navier's equation. Am i right?
Yes
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K