Derivation of higher order gradient continuum theories in 2,3-D nonlinear elasticity from periodic lattice models (Q1319078)

First, the authors deduce the non-linear constitutive description of an elastic continuum containing higher order displacement gradients -- at least up to the second order -- from a lattice model in three or two dimensions. Lattice nodes are occupied by atoms the interaction of which is described by central forces. The density of deformation energy is defined by means of the interaction potentials depending on the distances between the nodes. By use of a Taylor series expansion of the energy density about the undeformed state, the higher order deformation gradients are introduced in the constitutive model and the corresponding constitutive tensors depending on the first gradient are defined. Secondly, the related boundary value problem is stated by deriving the Euler-Lagrange differential equations together with natural boundary conditions from the stationarity principle of the elastic potential. At the third place, stability analysis (for uniform strain solutions) is executed on the base of detailed study of the energy portions due to the first and the second order displacement gradients. As specific examples, the behaviour of a two-dimensional square lattice and that of an hexagonal lattice are investigated. In both cases the ellipticity domains for special loading processes are presented by calculation and related diagrams.