Neutrality of the elliptic inhomogeneity in the case of non-uniform loading

In this paper, we consider the problem of a single elliptic elastic inhomogeneity embedded within an infinite elastic matrix in antiplane shear. In particular, we examine the (stress) neutrality of this inhomogeneity when a non-uniform stress field is prescribed in the surrounding matrix. Since it is known that neutral elastic inhomogeneities do not exist when the inhomogeneity is assumed to be perfectly bonded to the matrix, the method presented here is based on the assumption of imperfect interface and the appropriate choice of the (single) interface parameter (characterizing the imperfect interface) to achieve the desired neutrality. Specifically, neutrality is established for specific (polynomial) classes of prescribed states of stress in the surrounding matrix. The results in this paper affirm the feasibility of designing a neutral elastic inhomogeneity by controlling the (imperfect) interface parameter describing the inhomogeneity-matrix interface. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.