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High-Rate Dynamics and Fracture Behavior of Model Swollen Polymer Network Characterized by Seeded Laser-Induced Cavitation

ORAL

Abstract

Mechanical characterization of soft materials at high strain rates is challenging due to their high compliance, slow wave speeds, and rate-dependent viscoelasticity. Swollen polymer networks are attractive model materials as they can be tuned to simulate the high-rate dynamics and damage mechanisms of soft tissues, such as the brain, under extreme mechanical stimuli. In this study, seeded laser induced cavitation (SLIC) is performed within polydimethylsiloxane gels containing a significant amount of solvent (50 - 80 wt.%), levels similar to those of soft tissues. Ultrafast stroboscopic observation of a laser-induced microscale cavity is exploited to characterize the viscoelastic response of the gels at strain rates of 106 s-1. By varying the molecular weight between crosslinks from 1.2 to 12 kg/mol, fracture initiation and post-cavitation characteristics of the gels are systematically controlled. The demonstrated SLIC framework can guide the development of tailored synthetic systems that precisely mimic the high-rate plastic behavior of soft tissues.

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Presenters

  • Sacchita Tiwari

    Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Authors

  • Sacchita Tiwari

    Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Ipek Sacligil

    Univ of Mass - Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • yue zheng

    Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego

  • Christopher Barney

    Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Univ of Mass - Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Carey Dougan

    Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Shengqiang Cai

    University of California, San Diego, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego

  • Alfred J Crosby

    Univ of Mass - Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Shelly Peyton

    Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Gregory N Tew

    Univ of Mass - Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Jae-Hwang Lee

    Univ of Mass - Amherst, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst