States of self-stress in disordered solids

We investigate the interplay between the mechanical responses of disordered solids and their states of self-stress (SSSs), which are equilibrium stress distributions in a mechanical network with force balanced on any component. SSSs are determined by the geometry of the network (they span the null space of the network's equilibrium matrix) and govern load-bearing abilities of this network. On the other hand the mechanical load changes the geometry and feedback to the SSSs. By presenting our results on SSSs in disordered solids generated by molecular dynamics simulations as well as jamming protocols, we explore the relation between SSSs in a disordered solid and the memory of how the mechanical network is prepared, as well as how they yield under stress.