A Mechanical Theory of Growth

Abstract

A theory of growth is developed, utilizing the notion of a directional density function that captures the number and distribution of the material particles and their changes in time. A spatial (or Eulerian) description of kinematics is adopted, and the constitutive theory for a growing body is developed that relates the stress to the directional density function. The equation that governs the evolution of the directional density function is derived. An example of internal surface growth is presented.