A general solution to the plane-elasticity problem of a multilayered circul
ar hollow-cored inclusion with internal radial strains (eigenstrains), unde
r uniform arbitrary remote loading, is proposed. Complex variable technique
s are used, leading to an exact solution in a reasonably compact and manage
able form. The explicit solution for the misfitting simple-ring inclusion i
s derived as a special case. Numerical results for a simply coated fiber ar
e worked out. The effect of eigenstrains, hollow-core extent (porosity), an
d coating hardness on the stress distribution within both fiber and matrix
is analyzed. In particular, it is found that eigenstrains may be effective
in reducing stress levels inside (tension) or around (shear) the fiber, and
that porosity controls the stress intensity spread. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie
nce Ltd. All rights reserved.