Issue 28, 2013

Cross-linked fiber network embedded in an elastic matrix

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of a three-dimensional cross-linked fiber network embedded in a matrix is studied in this work. The network is composed from linear elastic fibers which store energy only in the axial deformation mode, while the matrix is also isotropic and linear elastic. Such systems are encountered in a broad range of applications, from tissue to consumer products. As the matrix modulus increases, the network is constrained to deform more affinely. This leads to internal forces acting between the network and the matrix, which produce strong stress concentration at the network cross-links. This interaction increases the apparent modulus of the network and decreases the apparent modulus of the matrix. A model is developed to predict the effective modulus of the composite and its predictions are compared with numerical data for a variety of networks.

Graphical abstract: Cross-linked fiber network embedded in an elastic matrix

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
25 Mar 2013
Accepted
23 May 2013
First published
11 Jun 2013

Soft Matter, 2013,9, 6398-6405

Cross-linked fiber network embedded in an elastic matrix

L. Zhang, S. P. Lake, V. H. Barocas, M. S. Shephard and R. C. Picu, Soft Matter, 2013, 9, 6398 DOI: 10.1039/C3SM50838B

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements