An assessment of higher gradient theories from a continuum mechanics perspective

In this paper, we investigate the inherent physical and mathematical character of higher gradient theories, in which the strain or distortion gradients are considered as the fundamental measures of deformation. Contrary to common belief, the first or higher strain or distortion gradients are not proper measures of deformation. Consequently, their corresponding energetically conjugate stresses are non-physical and cannot represent the state of internal stresses in the continuum. Furthermore, the governing equations in these theories do not describe the motion of infinitesimal elements of matter consistently. For example, in first strain gradient theory, there are nine governing equations of motion for infinitesimal elements of matter at each point; three force equations, and six unsubstantiated artificial moment equations that violate Newton's third law of action and reaction and the angular momentum theorem. This shows that the first strain gradient theory (F-SGT) is not an extension of rigid body mechanics, which then is not recovered in the absence of deformation. The inconsistencies of F-SGT and other higher gradient theories also manifest themselves in the appearance of strains, distortions or their gradients as boundary conditions and the requirement for many material coefficients in the constitutive relations.