Convergence of variational approximation schemes for elastodynamics with polyconvex energy (Q2448598)

Summary: We consider a variational scheme developed by \textit{S. Demoulini} et al. [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 157, No. 4, 325--344 (2001; Zbl 0985.74024)] that approximates the equations of three dimensional elastodynamics with polyconvex stored energy. We establish the convergence of the time-continuous interpolates constructed in the scheme to a solution of polyconvex elastodynamics before shock formation. The proof is based on a relative entropy estimation for the time-discrete approximants in an environment of \(L^p\)-theory bounds, and provides an error estimate for the approximation before the formation of shocks.