A variational formulation for finite elasticity with independent rotation and Biot-axial fields (Q1368109)

The paper aims: (1) to derive variational principles for three-dimensional finite elasticity with an independent rotation field, and, at the same time, to propose a definition of the non-polar continuum in a constitutive manner; (2) to develop simplest solid nonlinear finite elements in order to compute the formulated problem. The main topics include: 1. The establishment of main variational principles for the elastostatics of a polar continuum; 2. By using an intermediate pseudo-polar model, the nonpolar continuum is postulated as a particular case of the polar one. In doing so, the surface of a nonpolar body is shown to be not loaded with external couples, and hence no rotations can be prescribed there; 3. The variational framework for a fully nonlinear formulation that fits such nonpolar continuum can be obtained naturally, which enables a precise understanding of the mechanical variables involved; 4. The rotation in the polar sense of a point within the continuum turns out to be the local rotation as defined by the polar decomposition of the deformation gradient. That highlights the physical significance of the polar decomposition itself; 5. Starting from a constrained displacement-type principle, the classical form of the principle of virtual work follows as a consequence. The strain energy is dependent on the Green strain tensor, and the unknowns of the problem reduce to the displacement alone. Moreover, external couples within the body can be accounted for; 6. For a discrete approximation, a consistent linearization of the constrained principle is proposed. In the finite element model, a very simple solid element is proposed, and the difficulty of interpolating finite rotations can be overcome by choosing a discontinuous rotation field; 7. Numerical examples of finite deformation analysis for two-dimensional benchmark problems and some new three-dimensional cases with large rotations are presented to test the computational viability of the formulation and to assess the capability of the elements to represent large three-dimensional rotations.