Simulation of torsion of a cylindrical gel

Abstract

Hydrogels are widely used for many biomedical as well as commercial purposes such as scaffolds for tissue engineering, contact lenses and diapers. However, there is still much unexplored potential of this substance which could very well contribute to more medical advances and breakthroughs. It is therefore important to understand the mechanical properties of hydrogels for this purpose. This project aims to understand the effect of torsion on hydrogels in a cylindrical form.

Elasticity of hydrogels is influenced by the five elastic constants λ, μ, l, m and n. Using Wolfram Mathematica, the author aims to find the resultant radial stress distribution in a cylindrical hydrogel due to torsion. In this study, four of the elastic constants, λ, μ, m and n, are found to affect the stress distribution. The report shows the simulated radial stress distribution in a cylindrical gel and how each of the four relevant elastic constants affects the resultant stress distribution.

Simulation was also done for all six possible combinations from the four elastic constants to discover the correlation between each pair of elastic constants. Results of these simulations will be included in the report, along with the physical radial and axial changes of the cylindrical gel that result from varying values of each possible pair of elastic constants.