Author(s)

Zemin Ning & John R. Melrose

Abstract

A numerical method is developed for simulating the mechanical behaviour of single flexible fibers. A circular crossed fiber is represented by a number of small segments linked by spring dash-pot systems. Segments are lined up and bonded to each neighbour. Each bond can be stretched or compressed by changing the bond distance. Bending deflection and twist movement occur respectively in the bending and torsion planes. Computer simulations have been conducted to study flexible fibers under various loading conditions such as cantilevers under a point force, distributed forces, bending and torsion torque, circular rings under coupled pulling forces, and helix. In all the reported tests, excellent agreements have been f

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