Structured continua from a Lagrangian point of view (Q760826)

On the base of classical Lagrangian dynamics a theory of structured continua is developped. At first the kinematics and dynamics of a set of discrete mass points are analyzed. It is supposed that the motion relative to the center of mass is constrained whereas the center itself moves free. The forces are classified external and internal. The fundamental postulate on internal forces states that their work performed by rigid motions vanishes. From this requirement follows the resultant moment with respect to rotations compatible with the constraints to be zero, that means a statement on the reaction of torques. The general results are illustrated by three examples. In the second part the thoughts of the first one are transferred to general continua. The center of mass of the set of mass points is related to the material particle of the continuum, the generalized Lagrangian coordinates now represent the microstructure of the continuum. Equations of balance are stated as well for the linear momentum as for the generalized momenta. From the statement on the reaction of torques the skew part of stress tensor is derived to be determined by the generalized Lagrangian forces and the admissible internal rotations. This approach ensures further a compatible structure of the kinetic energy and the generalized forces, it yields the general decomposition of the micromotion into a rigid part and a generalized deformation. The final examples are related to the former ones and demonstrate the inclusion of special continua in the given theory.