Network Materials
Structure and Properties

Introducing and defining a new class of materials, this comprehensive book provides tools to design and develop new material systems.

Catalin R. Picu (Author)

9781108490030, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 September 2022

450 pages
25 x 17.7 x 2.6 cm, 0.94 kg

Ideal for entry-level and experienced researchers working in materials science and engineering, this unique book introduces a new subfield of materials science and mechanics of materials: network materials. A comprehensive review of their mechanical behaviours allows readers to understand, design, and enhance the performance of these material systems, across a range of materials including cytoskeletons, connective tissue, and thermoset polymers. By introducing simple models, supported by experimental data, the book provides the necessary fundamental knowledge to assist readers to design and develop their own material systems. By presenting each of these previously disparate material systems within a unified theoretical framework, this book provides a consolidated presentation of the mechanics of networks and their interactions, introducing parameters that define the stochastic structure of the network, and discussing their mechanical behaviour. It is an ideal text for those new to this fast-growing field, and for experienced researchers looking to consolidate their knowledge.

1. Introduction: definitions and classification
2. Fibers and fiber bundles
3. Fiber interactions
4. Network structure and geometric parameters
5. Affine deformation
6. Mechanical behavior and relation to structural parameters
7. Constitutive formulations for network materials
8. Strength and toughness of network materials
9. Time-dependent behavior
10. Networks with fiber surface interactions: networks of fiber bundles
11. Composite networks.

Subject Areas: Materials science [TGM]