Effective medium theory for second-gradient elasticity with chirality (Q6614935)

In this article, two classes of models for periodic, second-gradient elastic materials are delineated. In contrast to the classical Cauchy material framework, these models are suited for homogenization techniques while also respecting chirality and scale-size effects. Dependent on the ratio of characteristical lengths in the material, the authors obtain two different models.\N\NIf the absolute size of the heterogeneities is similar to the period of the elastic body, they approximate a second-gradient material by a homogeneous linear Cauchy continuum. Without the effect of second gradients, this generalizes the classical corrector problem. On the other hand, when the size of the heterogeneities is comparable to the characteristic length of the domain, then a second-gradient model is obtained, which also allows the precise computation of the effective coefficients based of volume fraction and morphology of the material.\N\NExistence and uniqueness of a solution are proved for both models respectively using the periodic unfolding operator of Ciorănescu, Damlamian and Griso.