On infinitesimal deformation measures (Q1202509)

The paper offers an important new approach to the mathematical understanding of the small strain approximation in continuum mechanics. The author shows that the infinitesimal strain is the Fréchet differential at zero displacement gradient and corresponding to the latter of the Lagrangian strain tensor, the Eulerian strain tensor as well as that of the right stretch tensor and the left stretch tensor. Similarly, the infinitesimal rotation is the Fréchet differential of the finite rotation tensor. Making use of these Fréchet differentials in the expansion of the tensors describing the finite deformation, one obtains their small strain approximations. Similar results are derived for the deformation of line and surface elements. The research reported is of high concern to researchers in continuum mechanics.