ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the local gradient theory of dielectrics is generalized for polarized media in which the mass flux and the density of the induced mass are tensors of second order. It presents the constitutive relations of the local gradient electrothermomechanics of a rheological dielectric medium with a fading memory. The chapter examines the local gradient theory of dielectrics is extended to the rheological dielectric media with a fading memory. It aims to propose continuum–thermodynamic approach for the construction of a complete set of equations of the local gradient theory of non-ferromagnetic dielectric media with electric quadrupoles. In this case, the quadrupole polarization, the local mass displacement and its irreversibility are taken into account in order to obtain the general theory of dielectrics. A reverse situation may arise if the influence of dissipation of the processes of polarization and local mass displacement is insignificant, but the inertia of these processes should be taken into account.
