Elementary preamble to a theory of granular gases
The quasi-static solution of a traction problem in the classical linear theory of viscoelasticity can be thought of as an approximation to the solution of a special problem in the dynamics of continua with fading memory.
Two parameters seem to be of the essence for the description of the distribution of molecular directions in a nematic: the degrees of prolation and of triaxiality. Fundamental mechanical and optic properties can be expressed in terms of the two parameters.
We exploit a recent proposal of an «extended kinematics» to describe fast flows of granular materials. Prompted by some remarks in elementary point dynamics, we suggest balance laws which might be of use in studying the evolution of those flows.
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