Finite element analysis of electrospun nanofibrous mats under biaxial tension

Abstract

Due to the non-uniform material properties of electrospun nanofibrous mats and the non-linear characteristics of single fibers, establishing a numerical model that can fully explain these features and correctly describe their properties is difficult. Based on the microstructure of electrospun nanofibrous mats, two macroscopic continuum finite element (FE) models with a uniform or oriented nanofiber distribution were established to describe the mechanical behavior of nanofibrous mats under biaxial tension. The FE models were verified by biaxial tension experiments on silk fibroin/polycaprolactone nanofibrous mats. The developed FE models expressed the mechanical behaviors of the mats under biaxial tension well. These models can help clarify the structure–property relationship of electrospun nanofibrous mats and guide the design of materials for engineering applications.