On the relationship between balance relations for generalized continua and molecular behaviour (Q1103435)

The paper indicates a procedure for the motivation of macroscopic balance laws for materials that consist of large molecules on the basis of physically plausible assumptions. Atoms are modelled as point masses and assumptions are made concerning the nature of molecular motions and atomic motions within molecules as well as intersections between atoms. Simplifications that arise in the wake of cooperative molecular behaviour are discussed. Comparison of these balance laws with those in existing theories of generalized continua can reveal what is being neglected in the latter theories insofar as they apply to materials composed of large molecules.