Abstract:
Finite element (FE) simulations are performed to investigate the effect of fiber induced anisotropy
on the notch behavior in hyperelastic skin type materials. The modified anisotropic (MA)
model is used to define the constitutive behavior in FE simulations through Abaqus user defined
material model UMAT. A parametric study is carried out to examine the effect of fiber orientation,
notch root radius and sample geometry on the stress field ahead of the notch tip. A nondimensional
parameter is defined to characterize the combined effect of J energy and average
anisotropic energy aniso avg on the notch behavior. It is shown that fibre orientation significantly
influences the stress state and J-integral at the notch. The findings of the present study will be
helpful in determining optimal constitution and orientation of skin grafts at locations of high
stress and complex geometries, such as corner of eyes and lips, etc.
