Rank-one convexity implies polyconvexity in isotropic planar incompressible elasticity (Q1653059)

The notion of polyconvexity was introduced into the context of nonlinear elasticity theory by John Ball [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 63, 337--403 (1977; Zbl 0368.73040); Nonlin. Anal. Mech., Heriot-Watt Symp., Edinburgh 1976, Vol. I, 187--241 (1977; Zbl 0377.73043)]. On the other hand, rank-one convexity plays an important role in the existence and uniqueness theory for linear elastostatics and elastodynamics. In this work, the authors study the relation between rank-one convexity and polyconvexity of objective and isotropic functions $W$ on $SL(2)= \{X\in \mathbb{R}^{2\times 2},\det X= 1\}$. These convexity properties play an important role in the theory of nonlinear hyperelasticity, where $W(\nabla\varphi)$ is interpreted as the energy density of a deformation $\varphi$. In particular, energy functions on the domain $SL(2)$ are used for modelling of incompressible materials, since, in this case, the deformation $\varphi$ is subjected to an additional constraint $\det(\nabla\varphi)= 1$. This work is interesting and may find readers working in the area of nonlinear hyperelasticity.