Nascent deformations of slender elastic solids under applied tension and twist*

We discuss experiments on the deformations of slender elastic solids held under tension at two ends and then twisted through a prescribed angle. While a rich phase set of buckled structures are observed in ribbons for large enough twist and tension [1,2], here we focus on the the regime before the onset of buckling instabilities. We measure the shape and deformation field observed as a function of applied tension and twist to understand the development of stress in the solid as a function of geometric aspect ratios. Thus, the competition of geometry and elasticity on the evolving structure is examined as a function of distance from the boundary. The shapes obtained will be discussed in terms of the strain relaxed shapes possible in the system.

[1]. "Helicoids, Wrinkles, and Loops in Twisted Ribbons," Julien Chopin and Arshad Kudrolli, Phys. Rev. Lett.111, 174302 (2013).
[2]. "Disclinations, e-cones, and their interactions in extensible sheets," J. Chopin and A. Kudrolli, Soft Matter, 124457-4462 (2016).