Paper Number
GN32 My Program
Session
Self-assemblies, Gels and Networks
Title
How gel architecture controls ductility and dissipation in single and double network gels
Presentation Date and Time
October 21, 2025 (Tuesday) 4:45
Track / Room
Track 2 / Sweeney Ballroom B
Authors
- Mugnai, Mauro L. (Georgetown University, Physics)
- Tchuenkam, Rose B. (Georgetown University, Physics)
- Del Gado, Emanuela (Georgetown University, Department of Physics)
Author and Affiliation Lines
Mauro L. Mugnai, Rose B. Tchuenkam and Emanuela Del Gado
Physics, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., DC 20007
Speaker / Presenter
Mugnai, Mauro L.
Keywords
computational methods; biomaterials; gels; networks; selft-assemblies
Text of Abstract
We study yielding and hysteresis in single and double network gel models. To this end, we perform mechanical tests and analyze the hysteresis under large shear deformation, strain localization, and subsequent failure or yielding [1,2,3]. In our simulations, the microscopic underpinnings can be identified in the different degrees of non-affine motion and local stresses, which can have significant implications for the formation of adhesive contacts, ductility and brittleness of the gels. We find that the hysteretic behavior qualitatively changes from a single network gel to a double network one, even when all is kept the same and only interspecies interactions are changed. We also find that the specific double network architecture also dramatically affects the ductility and brittleness. We discuss the possible implications for constitutive models and in the light of recent experiments. References: [1] Colombo, Jader, and Emanuela Del Gado. "Stress localization, stiffening, and yielding in a model colloidal gel." Journal of rheology 58.5 (2014): 1089-1116. [2] Mugnai, Mauro L., Rose Tchuenkam Batoum, and Emanuela Del Gado. "Interspecies interactions in dual, fibrous gels enable control of gel structure and rheology." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 122.19 (2025): e2423293122. [3] Rose Tchuenkam Batoum, Mugnai, Mauro L., and Emanuela Del Gado. “Hysteretic behavior in double networks.” (In preparation 2025)