Mechanical model for staggered bio-structure

Benny Bar-On, H. Daniel Wagner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

A generic mechanical model for bio-composites, including stiff platelets arranged in a staggered order inside a homogeneous soft matrix, is proposed. Equations are formulated in terms of displacements and are characterized by a set of non-dimensional parameters. The displacements, stress fields and effective modulus of the composite are formulated. Two analytical models are proposed, one which includes the shear deformations along the entire medium and another simplified model, which is applicable to a slender geometry and yields a compact expression for the effective modulus. The results from the models are validated by numerical finite element simulations and found to be compatible with each other for a wide range of geometrical and material properties. Finally, the models are solved for two bio-structures, nacre and a collagen fibril, and their solutions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1685-1701
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids
Volume59
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biological composite
  • Micro-mechanical model
  • Staggered platelet array

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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