Statistical theory for polymer elasticity: From molecular kinematics to continuum behavior
Zhan L, Wang S, Xiao R, Qu S, Steinmann P (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Book Volume: 112
Pages Range: 025404-
Journal Issue: 2-2
DOI: 10.1103/9qpw-mv57
Abstract
Predicting the macroscopic mechanical behavior of polymeric materials from the microstructural features has remained a challenge for decades. Existing theoretical models often fail to accurately capture the experimental data, due to nonphysical assumptions that link the molecule kinematics with the macroscopic deformation. In this work, we construct a Hamiltonian for chain segments enabling a unified statistical description of both individual macromolecular chains and continuum polymer networks. The chain kinematics, including the stretch and orientation properties, are retrieved by the thermodynamic observables without phenomenological assumptions. The theory shows that the chain stretch is specified by a simple relation via its current spatial direction and the continuum Eulerian logarithmic strain, while the probability of a chain in this spatial direction is governed by the Hamiltonian of a single segment. The model shows a significantly improved prediction on the hyperelastic response of elastomers, relying on minimal, physically grounded parameters.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Jinan University (JNU) / 暨南大学
China (CN)
Zhejiang University / Chekiang University / 浙江大学
China (CN)
China (CN)
Zhejiang University / Chekiang University / 浙江大学
China (CN)
How to cite
APA:
Zhan, L., Wang, S., Xiao, R., Qu, S., & Steinmann, P. (2025). Statistical theory for polymer elasticity: From molecular kinematics to continuum behavior. Physical Review E, 112(2-2), 025404-. https://doi.org/10.1103/9qpw-mv57
MLA:
Zhan, Lin, et al. "Statistical theory for polymer elasticity: From molecular kinematics to continuum behavior." Physical Review E 112.2-2 (2025): 025404-.
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