ON THE SYSTEMATICS OF ENERGETIC TERMS IN CONTINUUM MECHANICS, AND A NOTE ON GIBBS (1877)

Abstract

The systematics of energetic terms as they are taught in continuum mechanics deviate seriously from the standard doctrine in physics, resulting in a profound misconception. It is demonstrated that the First Law of Thermodynamics has been routinely reinterpreted in a sense that would make it subordinate to Bernoulli's energy conservation law. Proof is given to the effect that the Cauchy stress tensor does not exist. Furthermore, it is shown that the attempt by Gibbs to find a thermodynamic understanding for elastic deformation does not sufficiently account for all the energetic properties of such a process.