Micropolar 2D Elastic Cables with Applications to Smart Cables and Textiles

Abstract

Elastic cables are structural elements with a one-sided constitutive law (compression is not allowed) that obtain their equilibrium configuration by adjusting their shape to satisfy static equilibrium. The loading of a cable is applied through body-type forces and through appropriate boundary conditions at its ends. The classic cable constitutive law is easily implemented by assuming small strains and a coordinate system that follows the rigid-body motion. This approach was selected in the present analysis in the context of micropolar elasticity. The analysis is two-dimensional (2D) and static. The results indicate the important role of the couple-type body forces in the cable's deformation. This, in turn, is very advantageous in the design of smart cables and textiles that can utilize electromagnetic fields to actuate couple body forces and in this way exert control on their deformation. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.