Random Fiber Network Loaded by a Point Force

Abstract

This article presents the displacement field produced by a point force acting on an athermal random fiber network (the Green function for the network). The problem is defined within the limits of linear elasticity, and the field is obtained numerically for nonaffine networks characterized by various parameter sets. The classical Green function solution applies at distances from the point force larger than a threshold which is independent of the network parameters in the range studied. At smaller distances, the nonlocal nature of fiber interactions modifies the solution.