Non-linear multiphysics modeling of ionic gels

The paper presents a thermodynamically consistent modeling of the non-linear multiphysics of ionic polymer gels based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient. In particular, the deformations induced by the motion of ions under an applied voltage are viewed as distortions, similarly to growth-induced deformations in soft tissues. Furthermore, a consistent linearization of the model in the regime of small deformations is discussed. Finally, a finite element implementation of the theory is introduced and validated against experimental results.

S. Galante, A. Lucantonio, P. Nardinocchi, "The multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient in the multiphysics modeling of ionic polymers", http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnonlinmec.2013.01.005, IJNLM 51, 112-120, 2013.