On mean rotations in finite deformations (Q1115231)

Firstly, the classical interpretation of the mean rotation tensor of Cauchy and Novozhilov is revised. Indeed, two distinctive and defective features of this interpretation reflect a severe restriction on the class of admissible deformations. Secondly, an alternative measure of mean rotation is introduced and its explicit aspect for pure rotations, pure strains and ``additively'' pure rotations is determined.