The influence of the twist of individual fibers in 2D fibered networks

In this work, we propose a model for surfaces made of inextensible fibers that generalizes the existing approach to fibered networks, by taking into account not only the bending resistance of individual fibers, but also their resistance to twist. Assuming that the total energy of the network depends on the shear between the fibers as well as their curvature and twist, we derive the equilibrium equations and discuss an application to a cylindrical shell made of inextensible helical fibers. We discuss the effect of twisting stiffness on the loading–extension curve of the cylinder.