Controlling the strength of network materials: insights into failure mechanisms of random soft networks and composites*

Fiber networks occur abundantly at all length scales in biological and artificial materials. In most cases, the network has structural role and hence its failure defines the strength of the material. Since these materials are structurally stochastic, heterogeneity plays a major role in determining the dominant failure mechanism. In this work we establish relationships between network strength and various parameters defining the network structure and properties of fibers and bonds [1]. These provide guidelines for network design. Further, we explore the role of heterogeneity in defining the strength and consider structures in which the fluctuations in the mechanical fields are controlled by adjusting various network parameters. Specifically, we consider networks with rigid inclusions (composite networks) and networks with stochastic structural perturbations of increasing amplitude. The results are discussed against insights related to stochastic continua, from the literature.
[1] S. Deogekar, R.C. Picu, J. Mech. Phys. Sol., 116, 1, 2018.