title: Discrete modeling of the mechanics of entangled materials.
abstract: We employ a discrete computational model to study the entanglement transition of non-cross-linked semiflexible fibers during isostatic compressions. We determine, as a function of the fiber aspect ratio, packing densities and caging numbers, i.e., the density and number of contacts per fiber at the entanglement transition. The caging number is found to be 8 for short fibers and to drop down to 4 for longer fibers. Compressions beyond the entanglement transition allow us to determine, for these networks that deform primarily by bending, the scaling exponents of the pressure and of the bulk modulus (=3), as well as of the number of contacts per fiber (=1).
authors.affiliation: Génie Physique et Mécanique des Matériaux (UMR CNRS 5010), Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, ENSPG, Saint Martin d'Hères BP, France.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rodney
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fivel
authors.forename: Rémy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dendievel
mesh_terms: D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D001704:Biopolymers; D011108:Polymers