Non-Cartesian coordinate systems

Abstract

The formulation of any specific boundary value problem in geomechanics is greatly facilitated firstly by considering the specific attributes as they pertain to the geometry of the domain of interest. Other aspects of the formulation and solution can also include a consideration of features such as material symmetry and other geometric features of the loading and boundaries of the domain. For example, a two-dimensional plane strain problem involving the surface loading of a halfspace region by a concentrated line load (Figure A.1) is most conveniently formulated with reference to a plane polar coordinate system, whereas the plane strain problem involving surface loading by a distributed loading (Figure A.2) is formulated most conveniently in reference to a Cartesian coordinate system.