On canonical equations of continuum thermomechanics

It is shown that the canonical balance of momentum of continuum mechanics can be formulated in a general way, but not independently of the usual balance of linear momentum, even in the absence of specified constitutive equations. A parallel construct is made of necessity for the accompanying time-like canonical energy equation. On specifying the energy, previous particular cases can be deduced including pure elasticity, inhomogeneous thermoelasticity of conductors, and the case of dissipative solid-like materials described by means of a diffusive internal variable (such as in damage or weakly nonlocal plasticity). A redefinition of the entropy flux is necessarily accompanied by a redefinition of the Eshelby stress tensor. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.