Simulations of semiflexible networks: nonaffine deformations and nonlinear elastic response
Abstract Book of the XXIII IUPAP International Conference on Statistical Physics, Genova, Italy, (9-13 July 2007)Abstract
The cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells has several important functions
such as mechanical stability, force sensing, intracellular transport and
locomotion. The elasticity of the cytoskeleton is mainly due to a
filamentous network of semiflexible polymers that includes both actin and microtubules. Such filaments are qualitatively different from flexible polymers because of their bending rigidity. This results in, among other things, strongly nonlinear elasticity of cytoskeletal networks. Such systems have recently been shown to exhibit negative normal stresses. We simulate model 2D networks of semiflexible filaments using both finite element and energy minimization techniques, in order to study the origins of such anomalous normal stress behavior. In particular, we examine the connection between normal stresses and nonaffine or heterogeneous strain of these networks.