Tension-induced tunable corrugation in two-phase soft composites: Mechanisms and implications

We numerically investigate the elastic deformation response of a two-phase soft composite under externally applied concentric tension. We show that by carefully designing the inclusion pattern, it is possible to induce corrugations normal to the direction of stretch. By stacking 1D composite fibers to form 2D membranes, these corrugations collectively lead to the formation of membrane channels with shapes and sizes tunable by the level of stretch. Furthermore, we show that by using specific inclusion patterns in laminated plates, it is possible to create pop-ups and troughs enabling the development of complex 3D geometries from planar construction. We have found that the corrugation amplitude increases with the stiffness of inclusion and its eccentricity from the tension axis. We discuss the mechanisms leading to the development of corrugations as well as their different implications. We hypothesize that the techniques discussed in this paper provide greater flexibility and controllability in pattern design and have potential applications in a variety of fields including tunable band gap formation and water treatment.