Modélisation discrète du comportement mécanique de milieux enchevêtrés

Abstract

We employ a discrete simulation adapted from molecular dynamics techniques in order to study the mechanics of entangled semiflexible fibres. A previous model represent a fibre as a "pearl necklace" [{Rodney05}]. Successive configurations are obtained by minimizing a potential energy made of linking, bending and interaction terms. This "node" model however imposes limitations both on the computing time (large number of nodes) and on how to model the non-penetrability between fibres. In order to level off these limitations, a new fibre model is developed here, in which the fibres are discretised as a succession of segments. Implementation of friction forces in this "spring" model allows a better understanding of the hysteresis observed experimentally during cyclic compressions of entangled materials.