Prescribed side-face displacements in the scaled boundary finite-element method

The scaled boundary finite-element method is a novel semi-analytical technique with unique properties. The method works by weakening the governing differential equations in one coordinate direction through the introduction of shape functions, then solving the weakened equations analytically in the other (radial) coordinate direction. These coordinate directions are defined by the geometry of the domain and a scaling centre. The domain may have two radial boundaries, known as side-faces. This paper details a technique allowing displacements to be prescribed along these side-faces for static problems. This technique significantly extends the range of elasto-static problems to which the scaled boundary finite-element method can be applied.