PROBLEM 8
Problems in 3D can sometimes be reduced to 2D with reasonable assumptions. For example, if strain is negligible in the z direction, strain is only considered in the x-y plane. This is called plane strain and is valid when reasonably rigid constraints prevent bone from lengthening or shortening. Then, when blood pressure changes, the cross-sectional expansion must occur in the x-y plane.
a. Can there be any normal stress in the z direction (σzz) for plane strains? If so, what produces it?
b. Determine the Cxx and Cxy terms in the 2D stiffness matrix under the assumptions of plane strain. (Note differences between 2D and 3D terms.)