A corpuscular approach to continuum mechanics: Basic considerations (Q1060882)

The author gives a basic review of the general lines and some recent results about the methods of deriving the continuous theory of mechanics and thermodynamics by averaging over particles (molecules, ions, atoms). Starting with the classical equations of motion for particles, averaging procedures with respect to space and time are used in order to obtain the macroscale balance relations of thermomechanics. The balance of moment of momentum leads to the existence of couple-stresses and body couples. The analysis is quite general as the assumptions on the interactions (forces) between the particles are weak. By additional assumptions, involving the thermal motions, one obtains the energy balance relation containing an internal energy. Finally, some general observations concerning radiation, microstructure, material objectivity and non-local interactions are made.