The Einstein equivalence principle, intrinsic spin and the invariance of constitutive equations in continuum mechanics (Q1094902)

The invariance of constitutive equations in continuum mechanics is examined from a basic theoretical standpoint. It is demonstrated that constitutive equations which are not form invariant under arbitrary translational accelerations of the reference frame are in violation of the Einstein equivalence principle. Furthermore, by making use of an analysis based on statistical mechanics, it is argued that any frame- dependent terms in constitutive equations must arise from the intrinsic spin tensor and are negligible provided that the ratio of microscopic to macroscopic time scales is extremely small. The consistency of these results with existing constitutive theories is discussed in detail along with possible avenues of future research.