A variational definition of the strain energy for an elastic string (Q811225): Difference between revisions

Using the variational approach the authors derive the constitutive equations of an elastic string from the general nonlinear relations of three-dimensional elasticity. A 3-dimensional strain energy function is generally of the form \(\int_{\Omega_{\epsilon}}f(Du)d\underset{\tilde{}} x\). It is assumed that equilibrium corresponds to the minimum of \(\int_{\Omega_{\epsilon}}[f(Du)+u^ 2+g(\underset{\tilde{}} x)\cdot \underset{\tilde{}} u]d\underset{\tilde{}} x\) with \(u\in W^{1,p}(\Omega_{\epsilon},R^ 3)\), (f is not necessarily convex). As the radius \(\epsilon\) of \(\Omega_{\epsilon}\) contracts to zero the generalized displacement u converges to \(u_ 0\), perhaps only in the sense of \(\Gamma\)-convergence. [For example, see the article of \textit{R. V. Kohn} and \textit{M. Vogelius}, Q. Appl. Math. 43, 1-22 (1985; Zbl 0565.73046), or the series of articles on G-convergence by \textit{K. A. Lurie} and \textit{A. V. Cherkaev}, [J. Optimization Theory Appl. 42, 283- 304 (1984; Zbl 0504.73060); correction in Vol. 53, 319-339 (1987; Zbl 0595.73102).] The main concern of the authors is classification of the functions \(f\in W^{1,p}(\Omega,{\mathbb{R}}^ 3)\) with the following essential property. As the cross-sectional area becomes very small compared to the dominant dimension z, the effect of compression in the z direction becomes negligible compared to tension. Torsion and bending effects become very small compared to tension effects. Thus, the strain energy becomes identified with that of tension energy only.