Three-dimensional steady-state general solution for isotropic hygrothermoelastic media

The potential theory method was utilized to derive the steady-state general solution for three-dimensional (3D) hygrothermoelastic media. Two displacement functions are introduced to simplify the governing equations, with which the elastic, moisture, and temperature fields are thus simplified. Using the differential operator theory and superposition principle, all the physical quantities can be expressed in terms of two functions, one of which satisfies a harmonic equation and the other satisfies an eight-order partial differential equation. With the aid of generalized Almansi's theorem, all the physical quantities like displacements, moisture, and temperature are expressed in terms of five quasi-harmonic functions for various cases of material characteristic roots. The obtained general solutions are in simple form and thus they may bring more convenience to certain boundary problems. As an example, the fundamental solutions for a point moisture source combined with heat source in the interior of infinite hygrothermoelastic body are presented by virtue of the obtained general solution. A planar crack of arbitrary shape in an infinite medium subjected to mechanical, moisture, and temperature loads is investigated to illustrate the application of the solution in boundary value problems. Specifically, for a penny-shaped crack under uniform combined loads, the complete, exact solutions are presented.