Mechanics of soft fibrous materials
Catalin Picu (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institu), Ali Shahsavari ()
Soft Materials and Structures
Wed 10:45 - 12:15
Barus-Holley 158
In this work we study the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of random fiber networks and of composites containing such networks. Fibrous structures are common in biological materials where they perform primarily a structural function. These systems are stochastic and are characterized by large non-linearities, which make their mechanical response quite different from that of a continuum. We study the relationship between the network geometry and fiber properties, and consider networks made from the same type of fibers as well as composite networks, made from fibers of multiple types. The effect of an embedding elastic matrix on the response of the network is also studied. The effect of varying the degree of cross-linking on the elastic moduli is discussed in the context of the analysis of incipient fracture.