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Now showing 1 - 10 of 10
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    Giant extensional strain of magnetoactive elastomeric cylinders in uniform magnetic fields
    (Basel : MDPI, 2020) Saveliev, Dmitry V.; Belyaeva, Inna A.; Chashin, Dmitry V.; Fetisov, Leonid Y.; Romeis, Dirk; Kettl, Wolfgang; Kramarenko, Elena Yu.; Saphiannikova, Marina; Stepanov, Gennady V.; Shamonin, Mikhail
    Elongations of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) under ascending-descending uniform magnetic fields were studied experimentally using a laboratory apparatus specifically designed to measure large extensional strains (up to 20%) in compliant MAEs. In the literature, such a phenomenon is usually denoted as giant magnetostriction. The synthesized cylindrical MAE samples were based on polydimethylsiloxane matrices filled with micrometer-sized particles of carbonyl iron. The impact of both the macroscopic shape factor of the samples and their magneto-mechanical characteristics were evaluated. For this purpose, the aspect ratio of the MAE cylindrical samples, the concentration of magnetic particles in MAEs and the effective shear modulus were systematically varied. It was shown that the magnetically induced elongation of MAE cylinders in the maximum magnetic field of about 400 kA/m, applied along the cylinder axis, grew with the increasing aspect ratio. The effect of the sample composition is discussed in terms of magnetic filler rearrangements in magnetic fields and the observed experimental tendencies are rationalized by simple theoretical estimates. The obtained results can be used for the design of new smart materials with magnetic-field-controlled deformation properties, e.g., for soft robotics. © 2020 by the authors.
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    Field-Induced Transversely Isotropic Shear Response of Ellipsoidal Magnetoactive Elastomers
    (Basel : MDPI, 2021) Chougale, Sanket; Romeis, Dirk; Saphiannikova, Marina
    Magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) claim a vital place in the class of field-controllable materials due to their tunable stiffness and the ability to change their macroscopic shape in the presence of an external magnetic field. In the present work, three principal geometries of shear deformation were investigated with respect to the applied magnetic field. The physical model that considers dipole-dipole interactions between magnetized particles was used to study the stress-strain behavior of ellipsoidal MAEs. The magneto-rheological effect for different shapes of the MAE sample ranging from disc-like (highly oblate) to rod-like (highly prolate) samples was investigated along and transverse to the field direction. The rotation of the MAE during the shear deformation leads to a non-symmetric Cauchy stress tensor due to a field-induced magnetic torque. We show that the external magnetic field induces a mechanical anisotropy along the field direction by determining the distinct magneto-mechanical behavior of MAEs with respect to the orientation of the magnetic field to shear deformation.
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    Magneto-Mechanical Coupling in Magneto-Active Elastomers
    (Basel : MDPI, 2021) Metsch, Philipp; Romeis, Dirk; Kalina, Karl A.; Raßloff, Alexander; Saphiannikova, Marina; Kästner, Markus
    In the present work, the magneto-mechanical coupling in magneto-active elastomers is investigated from two different modeling perspectives: a micro-continuum and a particle–interaction approach. Since both strategies differ significantly in their basic assumptions and the resolution of the problem under investigation, they are introduced in a concise manner and their capabilities are illustrated by means of representative examples. To motivate the application of these strategies within a hybrid multiscale framework for magneto-active elastomers, their interchangeability is then examined in a systematic comparison of the model predictions with regard to the magneto-deformation of chain-like helical structures in an elastomer surrounding. The presented results show a remarkable agreement of both modeling approaches and help to provide an improved understanding of the interactions in magneto-active elastomers with chain-like microstructures.
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    Stacks of Azobenzene Stars: Self-Assembly Scenario and Stabilising Forces Quantified in Computer Modelling
    (Basel : MDPI, 2019) Savchenko, Vladyslav; Koch, Markus; Pavlov, Aleksander S.; Saphiannikova, Marina; Guskova, Olga
    In this paper, the columnar supramolecular aggregates of photosensitive star-shaped azobenzenes with benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide core and azobenzene arms are analyzed theoretically by applying a combination of computer simulation techniques. Without a light stimulus, the azobenzene arms adopt the trans-state and build one-dimensional columns of stacked molecules during the first stage of the noncovalent association. These columnar aggregates represent the structural elements of more complex experimentally observed morphologies-fibers, spheres, gels, and others. Here, we determine the most favorable mutual orientations of the trans-stars in the stack in terms of (i) the p - p distance between the cores lengthwise the aggregate, (ii) the lateral displacements due to slippage and (iii) the rotation promoting the helical twist and chirality of the aggregate. To this end, we calculate the binding energy diagrams using density functional theory. The model predictions are further compared with available experimental data. The intermolecular forces responsible for the stability of the stacks in crystals are quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis. Finally, to characterize the self-assembly mechanism of the stars in solution, we calculate the hydrogen bond lengths, the normalized dipole moments and the binding energies as functions of the columnar length. For this, molecular dynamics trajectories are analyzed. Finally, we conclude about the cooperative nature of the self-assembly of star-shaped azobenzenes with benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide core in aqueous solution.
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    Kinetics of Ordering and Deformation in Photosensitive Azobenzene LC Networks
    (Basel : MDPI, 2018) Toshchevikov, Vladimir; Petrova, Tatiana; Saphiannikova, Marina
    Azobenzene-containing polymer networks are unique compounds that are able to change their shape in response to light, which makes them prospective materials for photocontrollable nano-templates, sensors, microrobots, artificial muscles, etc. In present work, we study the kinetics of light-induced ordering and deformation in two-component polymer networks containing optically inert liquid crystalline (LC) mesogens and azobenzene chromophores. By this, we generalize our previous theory [J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2017, 8, 1094–1098] devoted to the kinetics of photoizomerization in one-component azo-polymers without mesogenic inclusions. The kinetic equations of photoisomerization are used, taking into account the angular selectivity of the photoisomerization with respect to the polarization direction of the light E. After multiple trans-cis-trans photoisomerization cycles, the azobenzenes are reoriented preferably perpendicular to the vector E. This changes the ordering of the mesogens due to the orientational LC interactions between the components. The light-induced reordering is accompanied by network deformation. Time evolution of ordering and deformation is found as a function of the intensity of light and structural parameters of the LC azo-networks, which define the viscosity, the strength of the LC interactions between the components, the volume fraction of the azobenzene moieties, and the angular distribution of azobenzenes in polymer chains. Established structure-property relationships are in agreement with a number of experimental data.
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    Intrinsic modulus and strain coefficients in dilute composites with a Neo-Hookean elastic matrix
    (Amsterdam : Elsevier, 2022) Ivaneyko, Dmytro; Domurath, Jan; Heinrich, Gert; Saphiannikova, Marina
    A finite element modelling of dilute elastomer composites based on a Neo-Hookean elastic matrix and rigid spherical particles embedded within the matrix was performed. In particular, the deformation field in vicinity of a sphere was simulated and numerical homogenization has been used to obtain the effective modulus of the composite μeff for different applied extension and compression ratios. At small deformations the well-known Smallwood result for the composite is reproduced: μeff=(1+[μ]φ)μ0 with the intrinsic modulus [μ]=2.500. Here φ is the volume fraction of particles and μ0 is the modulus of the matrix solid. However at larger deformations higher values of the intrinsic modulus [μ] are obtained, which increase quadratically with the applied true strain. The homogenization procedure allowed to extract the intrinsic strain coefficients which are mirrored around the undeformed state for principle extension and compression axes. Utilizing the simulation results, stress and strain modifications of the Neo-Hookean strain energy function for dilute composites are proposed.
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    A Cascading Mean-Field Approach to the Calculation of Magnetization Fields in Magnetoactive Elastomers
    (Basel : MDPI, 2021) Romeis, Dirk; Saphiannikova, Marina
    We consider magnetoactive elastomer samples based on the elastic matrix and magnetizable particle inclusions. The application of an external magnetic field to such composite samples causes the magnetization of particles, which start to interact with each other. This interaction is determined by the magnetization field, generated not only by the external magnetic field but also by the magnetic fields arising in the surroundings of interacting particles. Due to the scale invariance of magnetic interactions (O(r−3) in d=3 dimensions), a comprehensive description of the local as well as of the global effects requires a knowledge about the magnetization fields within individual particles and in mesoscopic portions of the composite material. Accordingly, any precise calculation becomes technically infeasible for a specimen comprising billions of particles arranged within macroscopic sample boundaries. Here, we show a way out of this problem by presenting a greatly simplified, but accurate approximation approach for the computation of magnetization fields in the composite samples. Based on the dipole model to magnetic interactions, we introduce the cascading mean-field description of the magnetization field by separating it into three contributions on the micro-, meso-, and macroscale. It is revealed that the contributions are nested into each other, as in the Matryoshka’s toy. Such a description accompanied by an appropriate linearization scheme allows for an efficient and transparent analysis of magnetoactive elastomers under rather general conditions.
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    Viscoplastic Modeling of Surface Relief Grating Growth on Isotropic and Preoriented Azopolymer Films
    (Basel : MDPI, 2023) Tverdokhleb, Nina; Loebner, Sarah; Yadav, Bharti; Santer, Svetlana; Saphiannikova, Marina
    We report on solving of two intriguing issues concerning the inscription of surface relief gratings within azopolymer thin films under irradiation with SS, PP and RL interference patterns. For this, we utilize the orientation approach and viscoplastic modeling in combination with experimental results, where the change in surface topography is acquired in situ during irradiation with modulated light. First, the initial orientation state of polymer backbones is proved to be responsible for the contradictory experimental reports on the efficiency of the SS interference pattern. Different orientation states can influence not only the phase of SS grating but also its height, which is experimentally confirmed by using special pretreatments. Second, the faster growth of gratings inscribed by the RL interference pattern is shown to be promoted by a weak photosoftening effect. Overall, the modeled results are in good agreement with the order of relative growth efficiency: RL–PP–SS.
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    Modeling of Stripe Patterns in Photosensitive Azopolymers
    (Basel : MDPI, 2020) Yadav, Bharti; Domurath, Jan; Saphiannikova, Marina
    Placed at interfaces, azobenzene-containing materials show extraordinary phenomena when subjected to external light sources. Here we model the surface changes induced by one-dimensional Gaussian light fields in thin azopolymer films. Such fields can be produced in a quickly moving film irradiated with a strongly focused laser beam or illuminating the sample through a cylindrical lens. To explain the appearance of stripe patterns, we first calculate the unbalanced mechanical stresses induced by one-dimensional Gaussian fields in the interior of the film. In accordance with our orientation approach, the light-induced stress originates from the reorientation of azobenzenes that causes orientation of rigid backbone segments along the light polarization. The resulting volume forces have different signs and amplitude for light polarization directed perpendicular and parallel to the moving direction. Accordingly, the grooves are produced by the stretching forces and elongated protrusions by the compressive forces. Implementation into a viscoplastic model in a finite element software predicts a considerably weaker effect for the light polarized along the moving direction, in accordance with the experimental observations. The maximum value in the distribution of light-induced stresses becomes in this case very close to the yield stress which results in smaller surface deformations of the glassy azopolymer.
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    Photo-Ordering and Deformation in Azobenzene-Containing Polymer Networks under Irradiation with Elliptically Polarized Light
    (Basel : MDPI, 2023) Toshchevikov, Vladimir; Saphiannikova, Marina
    Azobenzene-containing polymers (azo-polymers) have been a subject of extensive investigations during the last two and half decades, due to their remarkable ability to undergo pronounced alignment and deformation under irradiation with light. The molecular ordering and deformation in azo-polymers of various structures under irradiation with linearly polarized light was described in a series of theoretical works, based on the effect of the reorientation of azobenzene moieties due to the anisotropic character of the photoisomerization processes. In the present study, we generalize the previous orientation approach to describe the photo-alignment and deformation of azo-polymer networks under irradiation with elliptically polarized light. We demonstrate that, in general, the light-induced ordering and deformation have a biaxial symmetry defined by the polarization ellipse. Azobenzene chromophores have a tendency to align along the direction of light propagation, the orientation in the other two directions being dependent of the aspect ratio of the polarization ellipse. This causes deformation of azo-polymer networks along the direction of light propagation, the sign of which (expansion/contraction) is defined by a chemical structure of network strands. Theoretical results are in agreement with experiments and have a practical importance to predict the photo-mechanical response of azo-polymers depending on their structure and on the polarization of light.