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Title: Geometric characterization and simulation of planar layered elastomeric fibrous biomaterials

Journal Article · · Acta Biomaterialia
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States)
  2. Univ. of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
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Many important biomaterials are composed of multiple layers of networked fibers. While there is a growing interest in modeling and simulation of the mechanical response of these biomaterials, a theoretical foundation for such simulations has yet to be firmly established. Moreover, correctly identifying and matching key geometric features is a critically important first step for performing reliable mechanical simulations. This paper addresses these issues in two ways. First, using methods of geometric probability, we develop theoretical estimates for the mean linear and areal fiber intersection densities for 2-D fibrous networks. These densities are expressed in terms of the fiber density and the orientation distribution function, both of which are relatively easy-to-measure properties. Secondly, we develop a random walk algorithm for geometric simulation of 2-D fibrous networks which can accurately reproduce the prescribed fiber density and orientation distribution function. Furthermore, the linear and areal fiber intersection densities obtained with the algorithm are in agreement with the theoretical estimates. Both theoretical and computational results are compared with those obtained by post-processing of scanning electron microscope images of actual scaffolds. These comparisons reveal difficulties inherent to resolving fine details of multilayered fibrous networks. Finally, the methods provided herein can provide a rational means to define and generate key geometric features from experimentally measured or prescribed scaffold structural data.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
FC52-08NA28615
OSTI ID:
1343753
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1251707
Journal Information:
Acta Biomaterialia, Vol. 12; ISSN 1742-7061
Publisher:
Acta Materialia, Inc.Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 25 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (7)

Auxeticity and stiffness of random networks: Lessons for the rational design of 3D printed mechanical metamaterials journal July 2019
Meso-scale topological cues influence extracellular matrix production in a large deformation, elastomeric scaffold model journal January 2018
A 2.5D approach to the mechanics of electrospun fibre mats journal January 2017
Mechanical behavior of nonwoven non-crosslinked fibrous mats with adhesion and friction journal January 2019
On the Presence of Affine Fibril and Fiber Kinematics in the Mitral Valve Anterior Leaflet journal April 2015
Structural modeling reveals microstructure-strength relationship for human ascending thoracic aorta journal April 2018
Effects of Serum Proteins on Pulmonary Surfactants In Vitro: Evidence of a Protective Mechanism In Pulmonary Edema journal July 1974

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
scaffolds
electrospun
fiber geometry
simulation
micromechanics