Existence and uniqueness in the finite elastostatic Dirichlet problem

A qualitative model for the finite elastostatic Dirichlet problem is presented. The principal feature is that the solution space is a differentiable manifold as opposed to a topological vector space. The nature of the solution manifold reflects the imposed boundary condition the body topology, and varies with them. The model permits one to utilize contemporary mathematical methods to resolve existence and uniqueness questions.Physics, Department o