Configurational balances via variational arguments (Q5935834)

A variational argumentation is presented which yields the balance of configurational forces for an elastic body, both in bulk and at singular surfaces. Similarities and differences with the classic variational argument yielding the corresponding bulk and jump balances of standard forces are illustrated. The concept of force on a defect, Gibbs function and Noether theorem in connection with Eshelby tensor are use to formulate the configurational balances. It is shown that for finite elastostatics, the balances of standard and configurational forces in bulk are consequences of the stationarity of the energy integral at equilibria.