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An optimized cross-linked network model to simulate the linear elastic material response of a smart polymer

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Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures

Published online on

Abstract

This article presents a novel approach to model the mechanical response of smart polymeric materials. A cyclobutane-based mechanophore, named "smart particle" in this article, is embedded in an epoxy polymer matrix to form the self-sensing smart material. A spring–bead model is developed based on the results from molecular dynamics simulation at the nanoscale to represent bond clusters of a smart polymer. The spring–bead network model is developed through parametric studies and mechanical equivalence optimization to represent the microstructure of the material. A statistical network model is introduced, which is capable of bridging the high-accuracy molecular dynamics model at the nanoscale and the computationally efficient finite element model at the macroscale. A comparison between experimental and simulation results shows that the multiscale model can capture global mechanical response and local material properties.