Strain-stiffening critical exponents of fiber networks under uniaxial deformation

TL;DR

This paper investigates the critical exponents of fiber networks undergoing a strain-induced phase transition, using enhanced simulations and theoretical analysis to better understand their mechanical behavior under uniaxial deformation.

Contribution

It provides improved estimates of critical exponents and explores their evolution during shear in fiber networks, advancing understanding of their mechanical phase transition.

Findings

Refined numerical simulations yield more accurate critical exponents.

Critical strain and exponents evolve during shear deformation.

Incorporation of theoretical predictions improves post-simulation analysis.

Abstract

Disordered fiber networks exhibit a floppy to rigid mechanical phase transition as a function of connectivity. Sub-isostatically connected networks can undergo this transition via straining. Critical exponents governing this transition have been estimated theoretically and by numerical simulations of various types of networks. In this study, we present improved results, achieved through a combination of refined numerical simulations, larger system sizes and incorporation of theoretical predictions for better post-simulation analysis. We also report the evolution of the critical strain and critical exponents as the network is sheared while being subjected to non-volume-preserving uniaxial deformations.