Nonlinear microstrain theories

A hierarchy of higher order continua is presented that introduces additional degrees of freedom accounting for volume changes, rotation and straining of an underlying microstructure. An increase in the number of degrees of freedom represents a refinement of the material description. In addition to available nonlinear Cosserat and micromorphic theories, general formulations of elastoviscoplastic behaviour are proposed for microdilatation and microstretch continua. A microstrain theory is introduced that is based on six additional degrees of freedom describing the pure straining of the microstructural element. In each case, balance equations and boundary conditions are derived, decompositions of the finite strain measures into elastic and plastic parts are provided. The formulation of finite deformation elastoviscoplastic constitutive equations relies on the introduction of the free energy and dissipation potentials, thus complying with requirements of continuum thermodynamics. Some guidelines for the selection of a suitable higher order model for a given material close the discussion. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.