Nonlinear effective-medium theory of disordered spring networks

M. Sheinman, C.P. Broedersz, F.C. MacKintosh

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

145 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Disordered soft materials, such as fibrous networks in biological contexts, exhibit a nonlinear elastic response. We study such nonlinear behavior with a minimal model for networks on lattice geometries with simple Hookian elements with disordered spring constant. By developing a mean-field approach to calculate the differential elastic bulk modulus for the macroscopic network response of such networks under large isotropic deformations, we provide insight into the origins of the strain stiffening and softening behavior of these systems. We find that the nonlinear mechanics depends only weakly on the lattice geometry and is governed by the average network connectivity. In particular, the nonlinear response is controlled by the isostatic connectivity, which depends strongly on the applied strain. Our predictions for the strain dependence of the isostatic point as well as the strain-dependent differential bulk modulus agree well with numerical results in both two and three dimensions. In addition, by using a mapping between the disordered network and a regular network with random forces, we calculate the nonaffine fluctuations of the deformation field and compare them to the numerical results. Finally, we discuss the limitations and implications of the developed theory. © 2012 American Physical Society.
Original languageEnglish
Article number021801
JournalPhysical Review E
Volume85
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nonlinear effective-medium theory of disordered spring networks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this