Mechanics of stochastic fibrous networks

Point-bonded fibrous networks are used in a variety of engineering applications, including reinforcement for polymeric composites, paper, and electrochemical substrates, among many others. An understanding of the nature of the deformation of these irregular microstructures is key to developing useful manufacturing guidelines for their cost-effective production. The current approach allows such analysis, through use of a stochastic approach in constructing the network. Resulting network properties are compared with those in more regular arrays. Ultimately, determination of local deformations in these kinds of networks will be used to predict local deformation due to flow front progression in fibrous preforms for production of polymeric composite materials.