Science & Work

<cite>It's pronounced nucular. Nu-cu-lar.</cite> -- Homer Simpson (and George W.)

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Crumpled wires in 2D

In this work, we studied experimentally and using simulations the morphologies into which wires fold when inserted into a flat cylindrical cavity. Three different morphologies emerge depending on friction and the degree of plastic yielding, as shown in the picture below.

The video below shows the time evolution of one of the three morphologies. Video splash image

Related Publications

Morphological phases of crumpled wire, N. Stoop, F.K. Wittel, H.J. Herrmann, Phys. Rev. Lett., 101, 094101, featured in Physics Today, Aug. 2008, as a PRL cover image and in the German FAZ (2008)

Anisotropic growth of thin shells

Growth process are ubiquitous in nature. In this work, we consider the anisotropic, circumferential growth of a thin, flat disc, which gained attention recently and was shown analytically to lead to symmetric potatoe-chip shapes termed e-cones. Our results show that under the influence of surface self-contact, symmetry breaking occurs, leading to new, asymmetric shapes.

The video below shows the symmetry breaking due to self-contact. Video splash image

Related Publications

Self-contact and instabilities in the anisotropic growth of elastic membranes, by N. Stoop, F. K. Wittel, M. Ben Amar, M. M. Müller, and H. J. Herrmann, accepted in Phys. Rev. Lett (2010)

Packing of elastic rods in spherical cavities

In this ongoing research, we investigate the packing of elastic rods in spherical containers. We simulate the process using an efficient discrete element model and work together with Mehdi Habibi from Zanjan University. A video of preliminary results is shown below. Video splash image In this video, a reduced wire diameter is displayed for better visualization. Repulsive forces due to self-contact are calculated on the effective wire diameter.

Related Publications

in progress