On Fractional and Fractal Formulations of Gradient Linear and Nonlinear Elasticity

Abstract: In this paper we consider extensions of the gradient elasticity models proposed earlier by the second author to describe materials with fractional non-locality and fractality using the techniques developed recently by the first author. We derive a generalization of three-dimensional continuum gradient elasticity theory, starting from integral relations and assuming a weak non-locality of power-law type that gives constitutive relations with fractional Laplacian terms, by utilizing the fractional Taylor series in wave-vector space. In the sequel we consider non-linear field equations with fractional derivatives of non-integer order to describe nonlinear elastic effects for gradient materials with power-law long-range interactions in the framework of weak non-locality approximation. The special constitutive relationship that we elaborate on, can form the basis for developing a fractional extension of deformation theory of gradient plasticity. Using the perturbation method, we obtain corrections to the constitutive relations of linear fractional gradient elasticity, when the perturbations are caused by weak deviations from linear elasticity or by fractional gradient non-locality. Finally we discuss fractal materials described by continuum models with non-integer dimensional spaces. Using the recently suggested vector calculus for non-integer dimensional spaces, we consider problems of fractal gradient elasticity.