The effect of aspect ratio on adhesion and stiffness for soft elastic fibres.

Aksak, Burak; Hui, Chung-Yuen; Sitti, Metin · J R Soc Interface · 2011

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The effect of aspect ratio on the pull-off stress and stiffness of soft elastic fibres is studied using elasticity and numerical analysis. The adhesive interface between a soft fibre and a smooth rigid surface is modelled using the Dugdale-Barenblatt model. Numerical simulations show that, while pull-off stress increases with decreasing aspect ratio, fibres get stiffer. Also, for sufficiently low aspect ratio fibres, failure occurs via the growth of internal cracks and pull-off stress approaches the intrinsic adhesive strength. Experiments carried out with various aspect ratio polyurethane elastomer fibres are consistent with the numerical simulations.

Medical subject headings