Some theorems in the theory of elastic materials with voids (Q1062783)

In a relatively recent paper [ibid. 13, 125-147 (1983; Zbl 0523.73008)] \textit{St. C. Cowin} and \textit{J. W. Nunziato} advanced a linear theory of elastic materials with voids. In this present work, the author examines this theory with the objective of establishing some fundamental theoretical results. The equilibrium theory and the dynamic theory are examined separately. In the former case a reciprocal relationship and results on the existence and uniqueness of solutions are obtained. In the latter case, in addition to obtaining the above, some basic results concerning the variational characterization of the solution are established. This is a well-written paper and its results should be of interest to researchers in the field of elasticity. One should now explore the possibility of obtaining some basic results for the nonlinear theory of elastic materials with voids.