A multi-scale theoretical model for soft materials

Abstract

Many manufactured materials, such as rubbers, are made of several constituents with very different mechanical stiffness. Interestingly, the overall mechanical response of the material exhibits a very particular response under mechanical loads. An accurate theoretical characterization of these materials is of tremendous importance for the traditional industry and the new start-ups in the biomedical sector. The goal of this work is to explore a theoretical model for rubber materials, and soft materials in general, with complex micro-structural properties.