An Introduction to Mixture Theory

Abstract

We have already remarked that the simplified models of continuum mechanics (perfect and viscous fluids, elastic systems, etc.) do not always accurately describe the complex phenomenology exhibited by real materials. In Chap. 2 we discussed a nonstandard model that includes (along with the usual elastic properties) microrotation, revealing internal microstructure. There are other situations in which we must derive more complex models to recover some phenomenological features related to internal structure that is erased by the continuous model. For instance, in Chap. 3 the model of a continuum with an interface was proposed in order to produce a macroscopic description of phase transitions in simple materials.