Weak Solutions for One-dimensional Non-convex Elastodynamics

We explore local existence and properties of classical weak solutions to the initial-boundary value problem of a one-dimensional quasilinear equation of elastodynamics with non-convex stored-energy function, a model of phase transitions in elastic bars proposed by Ericksen [19]. The instantaneous formation of microstructures of local weak solutions is observed for all smooth initial data with initial strain having its range overlapping with the phase transition zone of the PiolaKirchhoff stress. As byproducts, it is shown that such a problem admits a local weak solution for all smooth initial data and local weak solutions that are smooth for a short period of time and exhibit microstructures thereafter for some smooth initial data. In a parallel exposition, we also include some results concerning one-dimensional quasilinear hyperbolicelliptic equations.