Application of the entropy generation minimization method to solid mechanics

This paper reports on a study that explored the application of the entropy generation minimization method to solid mechanics. After reviewing the definition of thermodynamic process and the principles of continuum mechanics, the constitutive equations of four categories of solid behaviors namely thermoelasticity, thermoviscoelasticity, thermoplasticity, and thermoviscoplasticity are discussed. Based on the computation of entropy generation due to mechanical harmonic loading in these four categories, a problem is presented. Several nondimensional parameters are defined using material, loading, and geometric parameters. The effects of nondimensional parameters on entropy generation due to heat conduction and internal dissipation are obtained and the solutions to minimize entropy generation are discussed.