Modeling and simulation of buckling of polymeric membrane thin film gel

Abstract

The swelling- and deswelling-induced instabilities of various membrane structures are simulated using the inhomogeneous field theory of a polymeric network in equilibrium with a solvent and mechanical load/constraint and the Finite Element subroutine developed in ABAQUS. The simulating results of these membrane gels are compared with available experimental results, and a reliable prediction in deformation pattern and critical conditions has been achieved. The study has been made in attempt to mimic the shape of a plant leaves from the swelling/deswelling patterns of a gel. Furthermore, this study provides a possibility to explore the origin of intriguing natural phenomena of plants. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.