A continuum-mechanical theory for nematic elastomers (Q1578536)

A nematic elastomer is modelled as an incompressible hyperelastic body with the microstructure of a nematic. The relevant balance equations are well-known (Cauchy equation, balance equation for nematic, and a relation which links the skew part of Cauchy stress tensor to self-force and microstress). They are obtained here anew, following a circuitous route via constraints (a procedure which allows/compels the authors to work with little known constraint reactions). Constitutive relations for Cauchy stress, self-force and microstress are then derived from a (free) energy, avoiding, with some virtuosity, thermodynamic concepts. Also, symmetry requirements are explored, leading to generalizations of Mooney-Rivlin and Oseen-Frank proposals. Actually, to link with the latter proposal, the authors are forced to do a little discreet hammering; thus hiding, however, an issue of physical import (at least in the reviewer's opinion): do the (inextensible) nematic molecules really have an independent 'feeling' for the natural configuration or should the constitutive relations depend on the actual, rather than on the referential gradient of \(n\)? Such second different choice would add to Cauchy stress the `Ericksen's term'. In this substantial second part of the paper the complexities of details, unavoidable in general, are deftly lessened by recourse to the Rivlin's scheme and to order-of-magnitude restrictions.