The dynamics of pseudo-rigid bodies: General structure and exact solutions (Q1057091)

The basic equation of the theory of pseudo-rigid bodies given by \textit{H. Cohen} [Util. Math. 20, 221-247 (1981; Zbl 0482.70002)] and \textit{R. G. Muncaster} [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 84, 375-392 (1984; Zbl 0538.73002)] where derived by independent methods. Cohen used the principal laws of continuum mechanics, while Muncaster derived the equations from 3- dimensional nonlinear elasticity. The theory of pseudo-rigid bodies gives a description of the deformations of elastic bodies in terms of a system of ordinary differential equations, for the kinematical as well as dynamical quantities appear through their average values rather than detailed distributions as fields. The authors consider some particular dynamical problems such as roto-deformations (with bearing problem), pure deformation without spinning and simple shearing. The discussion of constitutive assumptions concerning the average stress response function is also performed in the paper.