Finite element modeling of electrospun nanofibre mesh using microstructure architecture analysis

Abstract

This investigation is aimed at modeling the tensile behavior of electrospun polyurethane (PU) membrane. The PU web is produced with different morphologies and the structural parameters are studied through SEM images. Three-dimensional network is simulated using ABAQUS software. Each fibre is modeled as hyperelastic material and each crosslink is modeled as multi point constrain tie. The stress-strain behavior of PU mat is modeled by finite element method, and the effect of fibre diameter, fibre orientation and thickness of web is investigated. The stress–strain curves of networks at three different morphologies are compared with modeling measurements. The model by using third order reduced polynominal as fibre hyperelastic potential energy function shows good agreement with experimental findings which confirm that the tensile behavior of PU web can be explained entirely by microstructure of the network.