A generalized integro-differential theory of nonlocal elasticity of n-Helmholtz type: part I—analytical formulation and thermodynamic framework

A generalized theory of nonlocal elasticity is elaborated. The proposed integral type nonlocal formulation is based on attenuation functions being assumed as the convolution product of n first order (Eringen type) kernels. The theory stems from a generalized higher-order constitutive relation between the nonlocal stress and the local strain. Inspired by the Eringen two-phase local/nonlocal integral model, this theory can also be thought of as the constitutive relation for an (n + 1)-phase material, in which one phase has local elastic behavior, and the remaining n phases comply with nonlocal elasticity of higher order. The theory is supported by a suitable thermodynamic framework. In the spirit of Eringen’s 1983 paper, the particular family of attenuation functions adopted are the Green functions associated with generalized Helmholtz type differential operators of order n —which suggests denoting this model as a generalized nonlocal elasticity theory of n-Helmholtz type. Besides the integral type nonlocal formulation, elegant and compact expressions for the differential and integro-differential counterpart are derived. For n = 1 this formulation straightforwardly leads to the Aifantis 2003 implicit gradient elasticity theory with simultaneous stress gradients and strain gradients, which was postulated to eliminate stress and strain singularities from crack tips and dislocation lines. For n = 2 an implicit gradient elasticity formulation with bi-Helmholtz type stress and strain gradients is obtained. The paper is complemented by a companion Part II on the particularization of the generalized theory of nonlocal elasticity for the one-dimensional case, along with some applications in statics and dynamics.