This paper explores a class of non-linear constitutive relations for materials with memory in the framework of covariant macroscopic Maxwell theory. Based on earlier models for the response of hysteretic ferromagnetic materials to prescribed slowly v
arying magnetic background fields, generalized models are explored that are applicable to accelerating hysteretic magneto-electric substances coupled self-consistently to Maxwell fields. Using a parameterized model consistent with experimental data for a particular material that exhibits purely ferroelectric hysteresis when at rest in a slowly varying electric field, a constitutive model is constructed that permits a numerical analysis of its response to a driven harmonic electromagnetic field in a rectangular cavity. This response is then contrasted with its predicted response when set in uniform rotary motion in the cavity.
Electromagnetic Casimir stresses are of relevance to many technologies based on mesoscopic devices such as MEMS embedded in dielectric media, Casimir induced friction in nano-machinery, micro-fluidics and molecular electronics. Computation of such st
resses based on cavity QED generally require numerical analysis based on a regularization process. A new scheme is described that has the potential for wide applicability to systems involving realistic inhomogeneous media. From a knowledge of the spectrum of the stationary modes of the electromagnetic field the scheme is illustrated by estimating numerically the Casimir stress on opposite faces of a pair of perfectly conducting planes separated by a vacuum and the change in this result when the region between the plates is filled with an incompressible inhomogeneous non-dispersive dielectric.
