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Continuum mechanics, Micromechanics and Nanomechanics

Submitted by Jayadeep U. B. on
education

Hi all,

Can anyone explain me the characteristic features of continuum mechanics, micromechanics and nanomechanics?  My present level of understanding is:

  • Continuum mechanics: Matter is assumed as a continuous distribution, and all the formulations are based on this assumption.  Microstructural effects are completely ignored. Characteristic length of the order of tens of microns or higher.
  • Micromechanics: Continuum hypothesis is still assumed to be valid, but it is modified to include the microstructural aspects, like dislocations, inclusions, heterogenity at the microscopic level etc.  Characteristic length in the range from tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers.
  • Nanomechanics: Continuum hypothesis breaks down completely, the matter is assumed as a collection of particles.  Concepts like gradient are not defined.  Characteristic length less than tens of nanometers (however greater than the lengthscales, where quantum mechanics effects are significant).

Also there can be mesomechanics, which can not be asociated with any specific length scale.  It includes the study of the effects of heterogenous nature of a material at a lower length scale, which is considered to be homogenous at the length scale of our interest.  I think it is very much related to homogenization.

Any comments/clarifications on the above items are welcome.  Thanks in advance.

Jayadeep U.B.