Modeling of Generalized Continua on Macroscopic Scales: Towards Computational Mechanics of Microstretch Continua

First numerical results for microstretch continua, embedded in a hierarchy of generalized continuum models,will be presented. The governing equations are derived using a variational approach, providing an alternative to Eringens approach of modeling microstretch continua. A constitutive theory for linear elastic microstretch continua is formulated and used in the simulations. Simple examples will be investigated in order to demonstrate the compatibility of the model hierarchy. The results obtained so far are promising and suggest that a further in-depth analysis of (in)elastic microstretch continua based on the here proposed consistent and computationally simple approach to microstructured materials is worthwile.