Criticality and mechanical enhancement in composite fiber networks

Jan Maarten van Doorn, Luuk Lageschaar, Joris Sprakel, and Jasper van der Gucht
Phys. Rev. E 95, 042503 – Published 21 April 2017

Abstract

Many biological materials consist of sparse networks of disordered fibers, embedded in a soft elastic matrix. The interplay between rigid and soft elements in such composite networks leads to mechanical properties that can go far beyond the sum of those of the constituents. Here we present lattice-based simulations to unravel the microscopic origins of this mechanical synergy. We show that the competition between fiber stretching and bending and elastic deformations of the matrix gives rise to distinct mechanical regimes, with phase transitions between them that are characterized by critical behavior and diverging strain fluctuations and with different mechanisms leading to mechanical enhancement.

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  • Received 9 November 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.95.042503

©2017 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Polymers & Soft MatterCondensed Matter, Materials & Applied PhysicsPhysics of Living Systems

Authors & Affiliations

Jan Maarten van Doorn, Luuk Lageschaar, Joris Sprakel, and Jasper van der Gucht*

  • Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands

  • *jasper.vandergucht@wur.nl

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Issue

Vol. 95, Iss. 4 — April 2017

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