The role of structure in the nonlinear mechanics of cross-linked semiflexible polymer networks

N.A. Kurniawan, S. Enemark, Raj Rajagopalan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)
212 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The microstructural basis of the characteristic nonlinear mechanics of biopolymernetworks remains unclear. We present a 3D network model of realistic, cross-linked semiflexible fibers to study strain-stiffening and the effect of fiber volume-occupancy. We identify two structural parameters, namely, network connectivity and fiber entanglements, that fully govern the nonlinear response from small to large strains. The results also reveal distinct deformation mechanisms at different length scales and, in particular, the contributions of heterogeneity at short length scales.
Original languageEnglish
Article number065101
Pages (from-to)1-9
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume136
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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