Topics In Finite Elasticity

Finite elasticity is a theory of elastic materials that are capable of undergoing large deformations. This theory is inherently nonlinear and is mathematically quite complex. This monograph presents a derivation of the basic equations of the theory, a discussion of the general boundary-value problems, and a treatment of several interesting and important special topics such as simple shear, uniqueness, the tensile deformations of a cube, and antiplane shear. The monograph is intended for engineers, physicists, and mathematicians.

More than fifty years ago, Professor R. S. Rivlin pioneered developments in both the theory and experiments of rubber elasticity. These together with his other fundamental studies contributed to a revitalization of the theory of finite elasticity, which had been dormant, since the basic understanding was completed in the nineteenth century. This book with chapters on foundation, models, universal results, wave propagation, qualitative theory and phase transitions, indicates that the subject he reinvigorated has remainded remarkably vibran and has continued to present significant deep mathematical and experimental challenges.

Containing case studies and examples, the book aims to cover extensive research particularly on surface stress and topics related to the variational approach to the subject, and non-standard topics such as the rigorous treatment of constraints and a full discussion of algebraic inequalities associated with realistic material behaviour, and their implications. Serving as an introduction to the basic elements of Finite Elasticity, this textbook is the cornerstone for any graduate-level on the topic, while also providing a template for a host of theories in Solid Mechanics.

R.S. Rivlin is one of the principal architects of nonlinear continuum mechanics: His work on the mechanics of rubber (in the 1940s and 50s) established the basis of finite elasticity theory. These volumes make most of his scientific papers available again and show the full scope and significance of his contributions.

Elasticity theory is a classical discipline. The mathematical theory of elasticity in mechanics, especially the linearized theory, is quite mature, and is one of the foundations of several engineering sciences. In the last twenty years, there has been significant progress in several areas closely related to this classical field, this applies in particular to the following two areas. First, progress has been made in numerical methods, especially the development of the finite element method. The finite element method, which was independently created and developed in different ways by sci entists both in China and in the West, is a kind of systematic and modern numerical method for solving partial differential equations, especially el liptic equations. Experience has shown that the finite element method is efficient enough to solve problems in an extremely wide range of applica tions of elastic mechanics. In particular, the finite element method is very suitable for highly complicated problems. One of the authors (Feng) of this book had the good fortune to participate in the work of creating and establishing the theoretical basis of the finite element method. He thought in the early sixties that the method could be used to solve computational problems of solid mechanics by computers. Later practice justified and still continues to justify this point of view. The authors believe that it is now time to include the finite element method as an important part of the content of a textbook of modern elastic mechanics.

This careful and detailed introduction to non-linear continuum mechanics and to elasticity and platicity, with a unique mathematical foundation, starts right from the basics. The general theory of mechanical behaviour is particularized for the broad and important classes of elasticity and plasticity. Brings the reader to the forefront of today's knowledge. A list of notations and an index help the reader finding specific topics.

Nonlinear Equations in the Applied Sciences

Although finite elasticity theory has its roots in the nineteenth century, its development was largely neglected until the end of the Second World War. Since then it has attracted a substantial amount of attention and considerable progress has been made both in our understanding of the basis of the subject and in its applications. It occurred to me about three years ago that finite elasticity had reached a level of development at which an international symposium on the subject was overdue. Accordingly, with strong encouragement from Professor P. M. Naghdi and numerous other colleagues, I submitted to the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics a proposal for their support of such a symposium to be held at Lehigh University during the period August 10-15, 1980. The proposal received enthusiastic support from the International Union and an international scientific committee under my chairmanship, consisting of Professors G. Fichera (Rome), W. T. Koiter (Delft), L. I. Sedov (Moscow), and A. J. M. Spencer (Nottingham), was assigned responsibility for the scientific program. In constructing the program we aimed at as broad a coverage as possible of the many aspects of the subject on which significant progress is currently being made. These range from theoretical studies of existence and uniqueness of solutions of the governing equations of finite elasticity theory to experimental studies of its application to such problems as tear resistance and friction in vulcanized rubbers.