Stress functions for cosserat elasticity

Abstract In this paper a complete solution is obtained to the displacement equations of equilibrium for linear infinitesimal isotropic Cosserat elasticity. This solution is in terms of stress functions analogous to the Papkovitch functions of classical elasticity and those found by Mindlin and Tiersten for couple stress elasticity. Previous complete solutions to these equations given by Mindlin and by Neuber contain three more scalar potentials than are employed in the present solution.