Non-affine mechanics of entangled networks inspired by intermediate filaments
Abstract
Inspired by massive intermediate filament (IF) reorganization in superstretched epithelia, we examine computationally the principles controlling the mechanics of a set of entangled filaments whose ends slide on the cell boundary. We identify an entanglement metric and threshold beyond which random loose networks respond non-affinely and nonlinearly to stretch by self-organizing into structurally optimal star-shaped configurations. A simple model connecting cellular and filament strains links emergent mechanics to cell geometry, network topology, and filament mechanics. We identify a safety net mechanism in IF networks and provide a framework to harness entanglement in soft fibrous materials.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2206.04043,
title = {Non-affine mechanics of entangled networks inspired by intermediate filaments},
author = {M. Pensalfini and T. Golde and X. Trepat and M. Arroyo},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2206.04043},
year = {2023}
}
Comments
23 pages, 16 figures; expanded discussion of non-affinity, added supplementary data on interaction with frictional background at fast loading rates, modified title, results unchanged