Morera's stress functions

Morera's stress functions

[mȯ′rer·əz ′stres ‚fəŋk·shənz] (mechanics) Three functions of position, ψ1, ψ2, and ψ3, in terms of which the elements of the stress tensor σ of a body may be expressed, if the body is in equilibrium and is not subjected to body forces; the elements of the stress tensor are given by σ11= -2∂2ψ1/∂ x2x3, σ23= ∂2ψ2/∂ x1x2+ ∂2ψ3/∂ x1x3, and cyclic permutations of these equations.