Multiscale mechanics of macromolecular materials with unfolding domains. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Tommasi, D.; Puglisi, G.; Saccomandi, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanics and physics of solids. Volume 78(2015:May)
• Page Start: 154
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Macromolecules unfolding -- Protein networks -- Biological materials -- Multiscale material modelling -- Growth mechanics -- Residual strains; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Solids -- Periodicals; Mechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Solides -- Périodiques; Mechanics, Applied; Solids; Periodicals; 531.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2015.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5096

Abstract

Abstract: We propose a general multiscale approach for the mechanical behavior of three-dimensional networks of macromolecules undergoing strain-induced unfolding. Starting from a (statistically based) energetic analysis of the macromolecule unfolding strategy, we obtain a three-dimensional continuum model with variable natural configuration and an energy function analytically deduced from the microscale material parameters. The comparison with the experiments shows the ability of the model to describe the complex behavior, with residual stretches and unfolding effects, observed in different biological materials.