TOPOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF LINKED DISCLINATIONS AND DISLOCATIONS IN SOLID CONTINUA

Linked disclinations in three-dimensional solid continua are studied via the Wess-Zumino term and related topological concepts for the transformation group GL3(3,R) and its quotient spaces GL+(3,R/P(i)(3) and SO(3)/P(i)(3) where P(i)(3) represents point symmetry groups of anisotropic solids. The relation with the topological properties of anisotropic liquids is indicated. Dislocations are treated as 'dipolar' pairs of disclination loops and alternatively using Kroner's approach of material connections. Linking of dislocations is studied via the Hopf invariant and Gauss linking number, and a connection with Ashtekar's new variables is pointed out.