Deformation of Entangled Random Fiber Networks

The mechanics of random fiber networks which are not bonded or cross-linked but are subjected to topological constrains imposed by the excluded volume of the fibers is studied by means of a computational model. The fibers do not cross, have linear constitutive behavior in the axial and bending deformation modes and interact with each other frictionally. The system-scale response is highly-non-linear (power law) and hysteretic. The system exhibits a rich dynamics in response to imposed deformation, characterized by intermittency and spatial and temporal correlations of localized deformation (fiber-fiber sliding events). The role of friction in defining the overall system response is discussed.