Nonlinear boundary value problems for the annular membrane: A note on uniqueness of positive solutions (Q1820620)

The equations of the Föppl-Hencky small finite deflection theory are studied. Uniqueness of tensile solutions for annular membranes with given radial displacement at the inner edge and prescribed radial tensile stress (or radial displacement) at the outer edge is proved. The proof of both cases is based on Hopf's maximum principle. The paper supplies the earlier results obtained by \textit{H. J. Weinitschke} and the first author [ibid. 16, 135-147 (1986; Zbl 0585.73064)].