An asymptotic model for a thin bonded elastic layer coated with an elastic membrane

The deformation problem for a transversely isotropic elastic layer bonded to a rigid substrate and coated with a very thin elastic layer made of another transversely isotropic material is considered. The leading-order asymptotic models (for compressible and incompressible layers) are constructed based on the simplifying assumptions that the generalized plane stress conditions apply to the coating layer, and the flexural stiffness of the coating layer is negligible compared to its tensile stiffness.