On the Proper Formulation of Maxwellian Electrodynamics for Continuum Mechanics
Abstract
Despite the importance of electromagnetomechanical physics to processes ranging from piezoelectricity to the dynamics of electron beams, confusion abounds in the continuum mechanics literature as to how Maxwells equations of electrodynamics should be formulated in the material frame of continuum mechanics. Current formulations in the literature conflict as to the manner in which the authors define fields, derive constitutive relations, and interpret contradictory formulations. The difficulties persist even when the phenomena described are electrostatic. This paper will demonstrate that the perplexity arisesfrom two sources: a misunderstanding of the limitations of material frame descriptions, and the failure to appreciate the centrality of relativity theory to the formulation of electrodynamic equations in the vicinity of mechanical motion. Twonew formulations of Maxwells equations are provided that avoid the paradoxes of earlier formulations and thus describe the physics clearly and without self-contradiction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1117315
Entities
People
- Brian M. Powers
- Daniel S. Weile
- David A. Hopkins
- George A. Gazonas
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory