Negative poisson ratio in two-dimensional networks under tension

Abstract

The elastic properties of two-dimensional networks under tension are studied by the mean-field approximation and Monte Carlo simulation. The networks are characterized by fixed (polymerized) connectivity and either a square-well or a Hooke’s-law interaction among their components. Both self-avoiding and phantom networks are examined. The elastic properties of Hooke’s-law networks at large equilibrium length are found to be well represented by a mean-field model. All the networks investigated show a negative Poisson ratio over a range of tension. At finite tension, the phantom networks exhibit a phase transition to a collapsed state.