Continuum thermomechanics of nonlinear micromorphic, strain and stress gradient media

A comprehensive constitutive theory for the thermo-mechanical behaviour of generalized continua is established within the framework of continuum thermodynamics of irreversible processes. It represents an extension of the class of generalized standard materials to higher order and higher grade continuum theories. It reconciles most existing frameworks and proposes some new extensions for micromorphic and strain gradient media. The special case of strain gradient plasticity is also included as a contribution to the current debate on the consideration of energetic and dissipative mechanisms. Finally, the stress gradient continuum theory emerges as a new research field for which an elastic-viscoplastic theory at finite deformations is provided for the first time. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fundamental aspects of nonequilibrium thermodynamics'.