Nonlocal variational theories for systems with an interface (Q1174597)

This work is concerned with the derivation of variational principles for bodies whose behaviour is properly described within the framework of nonlocal continuum mechanics. In particular, the authors are concerned with the extension of nonlocal variational calculus to systems having surfaces and lines with material properties. The body is represented by a set \(V\) in \(R^ 3\); it is divided into two regions \(V_ 1\) and \(V_ 2\) which are separated by a regular surface \(S\). The surface \(S\) is in turn divided into a number of regular components by a piecewise regular curve \(L\). The key idea employed is to express the configuration of the body at any time in terms of functionals representing the long range interactions of the parts of the body. For this purpose a generic element \(h=(h_ V,H_ S,h_ L)\) representing the configuration is defined, with components in \(V\), \(S\) and \(L\). An operator is defined which associates to each \(h\) a function \(k=(K_ V,k_ S,k_ L)\) representing all the long range interactions. In order to construct a variational theory a suitable ( Lagrangian) functional \(J\) is defined as an integral over \(V-S\), \(S-L\) and \(L\); the integrands are functions of position, of \(h\) and its first derivatives, and of the nonlocal function \(k\). The first variation \(\delta J\) of \(J\) is found by a tedious but essentially straightforward process and eventually the conditions for the functional to be stationary at \(h\) are established. The theory is applied to the problem of a protoelastic solid surrounded by a compressible fluid, assuming that intrinsic nonlocal interactions are present in the solid. The fields in the solid change rapidly in a thin layer near its boundary. Suitable functions \(k_ V\) and \(k_ S\), and hence \(k\), are derived (\(k_ L\) is not required). These give rise to additional uncoupled terms in the free energy of the solid. The functional under consideration is now the total free energy. From the stationarity conditions the governing equations for the protoelastic solid are derived.