Virial theorems and virial stresses of micropolar media

Abstract

A generalization of virial theorems and virial stresses to micropolar continuum mechanics is explored. The linear momentum balance in dyadic product with translation leads to (i) the first virial theorem of micropolar continuum mechanics involving the infinite-time limit of the kinetic translational energy and (ii) a classical formula for computing the virial force-stress known in molecular dynamics. The angular momentum balance in dyadic product with rotation leads to (i) the second virial theorem of micropolar continuum mechanics involving the infinite-time limit of the kinetic rotational energy and (ii) a virial couple-stress along with a formula for its computation. The latter stress is also uncovered in the dyadic product of linear momentum balance with rotation. The virial force-stress and virial couple-stress contain, respectively, the Reynolds force-stress and turbulent couple-stress.