An analytical solution of a transient hygrothermal problem in an axisymmetric double-layer annular cylinder by linear theory of coupled heat and moisture

Abstract

A linear hygrothermoelastic theory is adopted to analyze transient responses in an axisymmetric double-layer annular cylinder subjected to hygrothermal loading. The coupled equations are first decoupled and divided into several general initial and boundary value problems for each layer. These problems are solved by the Hankel transform method. Part of the boundary conditions at the interface is unknown and will be determined by the interfacial conditions. The result is a set of coupled differential-integral equations. The Laplace transform method is then used to solve these equations, and, finally, the transformed functions are numerically inverted to obtain the time domain response. Therefore the transient solutions at any time could be evaluated. The results are in agreement with those obtained by the finite element method (FEM), however, the computing time required for the calculations is only about $\text{1}\text{200}$ that of FEM. Consequently this approach appears very suitable for dealing with transient hygrothermoelastic problems in multilayer cylinders.