Computational and Applied Mathematics seminar

Abstract: We analyze a nonlinear beam-network model for the elastic deformation of fiber-based materials such as paper. Individual fibers are modeled as Cosserat beams, allowing for large deformations and rotations. The equilibrium configuration is obtained by minimizing the total energy under applied loads. We prove existence and regularity of minimizers. The continuous problem is discretized using a conforming finite-element approximation that respects the underlying geometric structure. We establish convergence of the method. Numerical results support the theoretical findings.