Nonlinear Localized Effects in Micromechanics

Abstract

A series of examples dealing with electromagnetic elastic solids or compo site structures is presented to illustrate some large classes of phenomena in micromechanics (mechanics of materials with a microstructure). These examples deal either with the phenomenon of nonlinear localized moving structures such as solitary waves in a magnetoelastic thin film, in martensitic alloys, or in a nonlinear elastic substrate coated with a thin film, or with cooperative interactions in microstructured media (multi-domains in a ferromagnetic deformable specimen or piezoelectric composites). These examples illustrate the richness of the subject matter while pointing to engineering applications in mechanics and materials science. Mathematical details are avoided.