2. Nonlinear continuum mechanics

The development of behavioral models for elastomers takes place within the framework of the mechanics of continuous media under large transformations (also known as finite transformations, to differentiate them from infinitesimal transformations). In this context, it is important to define precisely the various tensors of deformation and stress that will be involved in the equations. In fact, unlike continuum mechanics in small deformations (more precisely, under the assumption of infinitesimal transformation), there are several quantities that can be used to define deformations and stresses.