A simple nonlinear thermodynamic theory of arbitrary elastic beams

A 'classical' theory of beams (i.e., a theory in which the basic kinetic variables are a stress resultant and a stress couple) undergoing elastic, thermodynamic processes is developed by first deriving exact beamlike (one-dimensional) equations of motion and a beamlike Second Law (Clausius-Duhem inequality) by descent from three-dimensions. Then what may be considered as the three basic assumptions of a classical theory are introduced: an assumed form of the First Law (conservation of energy), a relaxed form of the Second Law, and a general form of the constitutive relations. Throughout, detailed specification of geometry, kinematics, or constitution is minimized. It is shown how the kinematic Kirchhoff hypothesis may be avoided by first introducing a mixed-energy density and then imposing a logically more satisfying constitutive Kirchhoff hypothesis.