A variational definition of the strain energy for an elastic string (Q811225)

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.