A mixed variational method for linear coupled thermoelastic analysis

A variational method for linear coupled quasi-static thermoelastic analysis is presented. The variational support is a statement in terms of displacement, temperature, stress and heat ¯ux. The statement is based on the hybrid stress formulation for the elastic part and on the mixed ¯ux±temperature formulation for the thermal one, and includes the rate dependent terms of the energy balance equations and the initial condition. A ®nite element model for the semidiscrete analysis is developed within this variational framework, and a guideline for implementing a family of thermoelastic ®nite elements is given. Some test cases enlighten the e€ectiveness and reliability of the approach proposed.