Configurational Mechanics: Views and Perspectives

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Paul Steinmann
Affiliation: FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany)
Organized by: FAU DCN-AvH, Chair for Dynamics, Control and Numerics – Alexander von Humboldt Professorship at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany)

Zoom meeting link
Meeting ID: 688 2208 0069 | PIN code: 999745

Abstract. Configurational mechanics is an unconventional, sophisticated branch of continuum physics rationalizing and unifying the tendency of a continuum body to change its reference configuration. The celebrated J-integral of fracture is perhaps the most prominent example of a configurational, i.e. defect driving force, among many others. Configurational mechanics is restricted neither to infinitesimal deformations nor to any specific constitutive behavior and thus hold great potential for approaching the formidable challenges posed by defect mechanics. In this lecture, I will express my views on the field together and will outline potential implications and perspectives.