A novel approach to the solution of the tensor equation \(AX+XA=H\) (Q1573335)

Several properties in the mechanics of solids require the solution of the tensor equation \(AX+XA=H\), where \(X\), \(A\) and \(H\) are second-order tensors on a 2- or 3-dimensional inner product space over \(\mathbb{R}\) and \(A\) is symmetric. The author reviews the literature on this problem and points out that previous authors did not provide a general methodology for solving it, with the notable exception of \textit{A. Hoger} and \textit{D. E. Carlson} [J. Elasticity 14, 329-336 (1984; Zbl 0576.73004)]. However, \textit{M. Scheidler} [ibid. 36, No. 2, 117-153 (1994; Zbl 0822.15014)] pointed out that the problem was still worth further study, and the present paper is a step in this direction. The author develops an original approach to a direct solution, which appears to be simpler and more effective than the ones exploited so far. It is based on the systematic use of the square tensor product between second-order tensors. In this way it is possible to provide new expressions of the solution as well as to derive the existing ones in a simpler way. Both 2- and 3-dimensional cases are dealt with in detail.