Variational properties of averaged equations for periodic media (Q1174099)

It is shown that the Euler equation for a stationary point of a periodic functional corresponds to the Euler equation of an averaged functional with any degree of accuracy with respect to a small measure \(\varepsilon\) of inhomogeneity of a continuous medium. If the periodic medium under consideration has an energy integral, the averaged equation also has its energy integral. Various definitions of kinetic energy and internal potential energy of the averaged medium are discussed.