Compatibility conditions for a left Cauchy-Green strain field (Q2277279)

This meticulous paper is devoted to the fundamental problem in nonlinear continuum mechanics of determining the deformation that is generated by a given right or left Cauchy-Green strain tensor. The problem has its counterpart in the linear theory where the displacement is to be calculated from a given linear strain tensor subject to the compatibility conditions. In differential geometry the problem is closely linked with the determination of a curvilinear coordinate system corresponding to a given metric tensor. For a given right strain tensor field, uniqueness to within a rigid body deformation of the associated regular deformation is established under the fairly minimal assumptions of \(C^ 1\)-differentiability and local invertibility, which represents a notable advance on previous results. Necessary and sufficient conditions for existence are also proved. For a given left strain tensor field, comparatively less progress on establishing conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the deformation is possible in three-dimensions, but for two-dimensions and subject to \(C^ 3\)-differentiability the author is able to fully characterize the extent of uniqueness, and also to present necessary and sufficient conditions under which a \(C^ 4\)-differentiable deformation exists.