A comparison of second-order constitutive theories for hyperelastic materials (Q1579801)

The authors investigate the circumstances under which St.-Venant-Kirchhoff-type second-order constitutive equation can be successfully used in lieu of the fully nonlinear elastic constitutive equation to solve boundary value problems. The authors are interested in formulating the general guidelines that can aid in identifying, in the class of second-order constitutive equations for a compressible isotropic hyperelastic material, the constitutive equations giving the solution that best approximates the solution of fully nonlinear constitutive theory of materials over the largest range of deformations or strains. The fully nonlinear constitutive equation of generalized Blatz-Ko material with parameter \(f\in(0,1)\) and harmonic materials [\textit{F. John}, Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 19, 309-341 (1966; Zbl 0139.43401)] are considered, and for each of them three distinct second-order approximations for Cauchy stress \(T\) are constructed, namely: a) \(T_H\) which is second-order in the displacement gradient \(H\), b) \(T_{E_1}\) which is second-order in Biot strain \(E_1\), and c) \(T_{E_2}\) which is second-order in Green strain \(E_2\). The performance of these second-order equations are examined for boundary problem of simple tension for a bar, axial shear for a cylinder, circular shear for a cylinder, and bending for a cantilever beam. In reviewer's opinion this well-written paper is of great practical and theoretical interest.