A new perspective in linear Cauchy Elasticity: variational minimum principles for statics, dynamics, and heterogeneous materials
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: A variational minimum principle for linear elastodynamics of a possibly heterogeneous material without a stored energy function is developed. It involves a change of variables to dual fields, and results in a degenerate elliptic Euler-Lagrange system, even when the primal elastodynamics is hyperbolic. Uniqueness assertions for the dual dynamic and static problems and implications of the degenerate ellipticity are sketched. Some implications pertaining to heterogeneous materials and ones with indefinite elastic moduli are discussed.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Author: Acharya, Amit
Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7165810211