Extended non-linear relations of elastic shells undergoing phase transitions

The non-linear theory of elastic shells undergoing phase transitions was proposed by two first authors in J. Elast. 79, 67-86 (2004). In the present paper the theory is extended by taking into account also the elastic strain energy density of the curvilinear phase interface as well as the resultant forces and couples acting along the interface surface curve itself. All shell relations are found from the variational principle of stationary total potential energy. In particular, we derive the extended natural continuity conditions at coherent and/or incoherent surface curves modelling the phase interface. The continuity conditions allow one to establish the final position of the interface surface curve after the phase transition. The results are illustrated by an example of a phase transition in an infinite plate with a central hole. (C) 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.