Understanding the time-dependent mechanical behavior of tough and viscoelastic hydrogels under complex external loading is crucial. In this study, we utilized synthesized through copolymerization methacrylic acid methacrylamide as a model system to investigate their multiaxial stretching across wide range strain rates. Three modes examined were uniaxial, pure shear, equal biaxial stretching. Ou...

A two part study utilizing isotactic poly(4 -methyl-1-pentene) (PMP) was undertaken to investigate a three stage process (melt-extrusion/annealing/uniaxial-stretching) (MEAUS) to produce microporous films. In this report, the thermal annealing (second stage) and subsequent uniaxial-stretching (third stage) results of selected PMP films from three resins, labeled A, B & C, are discussed. From se...

Mechanics of CNT-reinforced nano-cellular PMMA nanocomposites are investigated using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Firstly, static uniaxial stretching of bulk PMMA polymer is simulated and the results are compared with literature. Then, nano-cellular foams with different relative densities are constructed and subjected to static uniaxial stretching and obtained stress-strain cu...

A mesoscopic, extended Doi theory for  ows of nematic liquid crystals (LCs) has been successfully applied by Rey to study extensional  ow-induced, homogeneous phase transitions both for rod-like and disc-like molecular geometry. Rey analysed the two order parameters (eigenvalues) of the orientation tensor. Recently the authors generalized the  ow-phase diagram (nematic concentration vs.  ow...

Large-strain elastic superhydrophobicity is highly desirable for its enhanced use performance and functional reliability in mechanically dynamic environments, but remains challenging to develop. Here we have, for the first time, proven that an elastic fibrous membrane after surface hydrophobization can maintain superhydrophobicity during one-directional (uniaxial) stretching to a strain as high...

The unique lattice structure and properties of graphene have drawn tremendous interests recently. By combining continuum and atomistic approaches, this paper investigates the mechanical properties of single-atomic-layer graphene sheets. A theoretical framework of nonlinear continuum mechanics is developed for graphene under both in-plane and bending deformation. Atomistic simulations are carrie...

Mechanical forces affect biological systems in their natural environment in a widespread manner. Mechanical stress may either stimulate cells or even induce pathological processes. Cells sensing mechanical stress usually respond to such stressors with proliferation or differentiation. Hence, for in vitro studies, the ability to impose a controlled mechanical stress on cells combined with approp...

PDGI-PAAm gels with well oriented lipid bilayers show a quasi-unidirectional shrinkage upon uniaxial stretching along the bilayers. They shrink largely parallel to the bilayer but slightly perpendicular to it in order not to increase the bilayer area and its interfacial energy. Such an anisotropic deformation can be well-modelled based on classical theories for gel networks and lipid layers.

A broad range of cells are subjected to irregular time varying mechanical stimuli within the body, particularly in the respiratory and circulatory systems. Mechanical stretch is an important factor in determining cell function; however, the effects of variable stretch remain unexplored. In order to investigate the effects of variable stretch, we designed, built and tested a uniaxial stretching ...