A problem for an infinite thermoelastic body with a spherical cavity

In this work we study a one-dimensional problem of distribution of thermal stresses and temperature in a generalized thermoelastic infinite medium with a spherical cavity subjected to a sudden change in the temperature of its internal boundary which is assumed to be traction free. Laplace transform techniques are used. The solution of the problem in the transformed domain is obtained by using a direct approach without the customary use of potential functions. The inverse transforms are obtained in an exact manner using the complex inversion formula of the transform together with contour integration techniques. Numerical computations are carried out and represented graphically. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.