University of Cambridge, Engineering Department, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK.
Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 11;7(1):11109. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-07731-6.
Fibre networks combined with a matrix material in their void phase make the design of novel and smart composite materials possible. Their application is of great interest in the field of advanced paper or as bioactive tissue engineering scaffolds. In the present study, we analyse the mechanical interaction between metallic fibre networks under magnetic actuation and a matrix material. Experimentally validated FE models are combined for that purpose in one joint simulation. High performance computing facilities are used. The resulting strain in the composite's matrix is not uniform across the sample volume. Instead we show that boundary conditions and proximity to the fibre structure strongly influence the local strain magnitude. An analytical model of local strain magnitude is derived. The strain magnitude of 0.001 which is of particular interest for bone growth stimulation is achievable by this assembly. In light of these findings, the investigated composite structure is suitable for creating and for regulating contactless a stress field which is to be imposed on the matrix material. Topics for future research will be the advanced modelling of the biological components and the potential medical utilisation.
纤维网络与基质材料的空隙相结合，使得新型智能复合材料的设计成为可能。它们在先进纸张或生物活性组织工程支架领域的应用引起了极大的关注。在本研究中，我们分析了在磁场作用下金属纤维网络与基质材料之间的力学相互作用。为此，我们在一个联合模拟中结合了经过实验验证的有限元模型。使用了高性能计算设施。结果表明，复合材料基质中的应变在整个样本体积上并不均匀。相反，我们表明边界条件和靠近纤维结构强烈影响局部应变幅度。我们推导出了局部应变幅度的解析模型。通过这种组合可以实现 0.001 的应变幅度，这对于刺激骨骼生长特别有意义。有鉴于此，所研究的复合材料结构适合于创建和调节非接触式的应力场，该应力场将施加于基质材料上。未来的研究课题将是对生物成分的先进建模和潜在的医学应用。
