Minimization in nonlinear elasticity theory for bodies reinforced with inextensible cords (Q1198454)

The paper deals with a discussion on the necessary conditions that emerge from the principle of minimum potential energy in nonlinear elasticity theory when all fibres of the body which lie in the single direction in a natural reference configuration are constrained to be inextensible. There are currently no existence theorems within the subject of inextensible elasticity, and the technical obstacles to creating an existence theory appear very formidable. On the other hand, the presence of the constraint introduces a non-constitutive constraint reaction term into the stress. This in turn enables one to find smooth semi-inverse solutions to some equilibrium problems. The presented analysis gives a detailed examination of the structure of the tangent space at the piecewise-smooth putative minimizer. The complexities which the authors encounter presumably have their analogues in the rougher spaces wherein one might hope to prove general existence theorems. In a sense, then, this work may also be regarded as a small contribution to the large task of developing an existence theory for problems of this kind. The paper has a cognizable character, but it is not far from technical applications.