Orthotropic Hyperelasticity in Terms of an Arbitrary Molecular Chain Model

Abstract

There are many statistical mechanical models of long-chain models, two of which are the freely jointed chain model and the wormlike chain model. A continuum constitutive law for hyperelastic orthotropic materials has recently been developed using the freely jointed chain model as its basis. In this note, the continuum strain energy function is recast in general terms allowing for the incorporation of an arbitrary macromolecular constitutive model. In particular, the orthotropic constitutive model is recast using the wormlike chain model in place of the freely jointed chain model and the effects of this alternation are examined.