Rupture of stochastic networks: relation between structural parameters and network strength and toughness

Network materials are encountered broadly in the engineering and natural worlds. These materials have a molecular or fiber network as their main structural component. The integrity of network materials is critical in many applications. Therefore, it is of interest to determine ways to control their strength and toughness. In this work we investigate the relation between structural parameters of the network, its architecture and its strength and toughness. We report the dependence of the strength on network density, crosslink density, and fiber properties. We also investigate the toughness of networks without pre-existing defects as a function of the same set of structural parameters. We observe and characterize the intermittent dynamics of rupture in stochastic networks and relate it to similar processes in other materials with stochastic structure. Numerical results are compared with equivalent experimental data.