Filament-length-controlled elasticity in 3D fiber networks

Phys Rev Lett. 2012 Feb 17;108(7):078102. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.078102. Epub 2012 Feb 13.

Abstract

We present a model for disordered 3D fiber networks to study their linear and nonlinear elasticity. In contrast to previous 2D models, these 3D networks with binary crosslinks are underconstrained with respect to fiber stretching elasticity, suggesting that bending may dominate their response. We find that such networks exhibit a bending-dominated elastic regime controlled by fiber length, as well as a crossover to a stretch-dominated regime for long fibers. Finally, by extending the model to the nonlinear regime, we show that these networks become intrinsically nonlinear with a vanishing linear response regime in the limit of flexible or long filaments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Elasticity*
  • Models, Chemical
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Stress, Mechanical*

Substances

  • Polymers