The Elastic Behaviour of Sintered Metallic Fibre Networks: A Finite Element Study by Beam Theory

Abstract

BackgroundThe finite element method has complimented research in the field of network mechanics in the past years in numerous studies about various materials. Numerical predictions and the planning efficiency of experimental procedures are two of the motivational aspects for these numerical studies. The widespread availability of high performance computing facilities has been the enabler for the simulation of sufficiently large systems.Objectives and MotivationIn the present study, finite element models were built for sintered, metallic fibre networks and validated by previously published experimental stiffness measurements. The validated models were the basis for predictions about so far unknown properties.Materials and MethodsThe finite element models were built by transferring previously published skeletons of fibre networks into finite element models. Beam theory was applied as simplification method.Results and ConclusionsThe obtained material stiffness isn’t a constant but rather a function of variables such as sample size and boundary conditions. Beam theory offers an efficient finite element method for the simulated fibre networks. The experimental results can be approximated by the simulated systems. Two worthwhile aspects for future work will be the influence of size and shape and the mechanical interaction with matrix materials.

Mechanical bone growth stimulation by magnetic fibre networks obtained through a competent finite element technique

“…FE modelling of the fibre network follows steps of an approach based on beam theory 12 . Three cube shaped fibre network samples are used in this present study (Fig.…”

“…While previous studies have simulated fibre networks for a void inter-fibre space 9 , 12 , the present study combines a fibre phase V f and a matrix phase V M in the sample volume V . The meshing of both phases and the defined interaction rules are discussed in the following (Fig.…”

“…Today, a range of several distinguishable categories of fibre materials exists: polymeric non-woven fabrics 3 , 4 , actin networks and cytoskeletons in the field of biomaterials 5 , 6 , or also theoretical computer generated network materials 7 – 9 . The mechanical behaviour 9 – 12 , the thermal conductivity 9 , 13 , or the magnetic response 14 , 15 are amongst the investigated physical properties.…”

“…Further it is known about this material that greater fibre volume fraction f reduces inside the material the average length λ of fibre segments between sintered inter-fibre bonds (Table 1 ). This has a strong effect on the local mechanical response of the material which is dominated by fibre deflection over fibre elongation 12 . The deformation under magnetic actuation of individual fibres has been investigated 15 .…”

Assessing stiffness of nanofibres in bacterial cellulose hydrogels: Numerical-experimental framework

“…Inverse parameter estimation of properties of fibres in networks using FE method is also possible [29]. A core technique is to validate an approximate value with a global response obtained with testing and network behaviour assessed with numerical modelling.…”