CAREER: Fundamental Studies on Mechanics of Three Dimensional Random Fiber Networks

该学院早期职业发展(Career)计划奖的主要研究目标是调查由随机交联纤维组成的材料的微观结构和机械性能。纤维材料是无处不在的多功能实体，具有独特的优点，如高比硬度和可调节的机械性能。在这些材料中，无论预期的功能如何，丝状骨架提供了抵抗外力的结构完整性。在这项研究中，将创建最先进的计算模型和新的分析工具，以确定支配三维光纤网络机制的潜在物理机制。具体地说，将开发一个多尺度模型来连接不同的长度尺度，并根据形态和微观结构特性来表征力学行为。这项研究将为三维纤维网络的力学及其与组分的空间分布、组装和结构性质的关系建立一种新的思维方式。有关控制通用三维纤维网络力学的关键机制的新知识有望为更全面地了解生物和人造材料的机械性能带来巨大潜力，如细胞骨架、胶原软组织、血液凝块、电池衬底、过滤器和纸制品。因此，这个项目的结果不仅从计算力学的角度来看非常重要，而且作为其他科学家研究丝状材料性质的计算框架也是非常重要的。还计划了一项全面的教育计划和外联活动，以加强高中生对科学和工程学科的参与，并培训下一代多样化和有能力的科学家和工程师。将向高中生介绍工程学的一般主题，将为新生开发基于此研究的工程项目，并指导本科生和研究生获得材料力学领域独立研究所需的培训。

The primary research objective of this Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program award is to investigate the microstructural and mechanical properties of materials composed of randomly cross-linked fibers. Fibrous materials are ubiquitous, multifunctional entities with distinctive benefits such as high specific stiffness and adjustable mechanical properties. In these materials, regardless of the intended functions, a filamentous skeleton provides the structural integrity against external forces. In this research, state-of-the-art computational models and novel analysis tools will be created to determine the underlying physical mechanisms which govern the mechanics of three dimensional fiber networks. Specifically, a multiscale model will be developed to bridge different length scales and characterize the mechanical behavior in terms of morphological and microstructural properties. This research will establish a new way of thinking about the mechanics of three-dimensional fiber networks and its relationship to the spatial distribution, assembly, and structural properties of the constituents. The creation of new knowledge on the key mechanisms governing the mechanics of generic three-dimensional fiber networks is expected to carry significant potential for creating a more complete understanding of mechanical properties of biological and manmade materials such as the cell cytoskeleton, collagenous soft tissue, blood clots, battery substrates, filters, and paper products. Therefore, the outcomes of this project will be of great importance not only from a computational mechanics perspective but also as a computational framework for other scientists investigating properties of filamentous materials. A comprehensive educational plan and outreach activities are also planned to enhance the engagement of high school students in science and engineering disciplines, and to train the next generation of diverse and capable scientists and engineers. Presentations on the general topics of engineering will be given to the high school students, an engineering project based on this research will be developed for the incoming freshman students, and undergraduate and graduate students will be mentored to gain the required training for independent research in the field of mechanics of materials.