Development of Rheological Model of Random Fibrous Networks in the Frame of Generalized Continua

In this work, we construct a micropolar (Cosserat) rheological model for biological membranes, considered as random networks of elastic filaments in the plane, based on the finite element method. The calculated effective mechanical properties rely on micromechanical approaches to investigate scale effects related to the microstructure on the macroscopic properties of biomembranes. The filaments of the random network are modeled as Timoshenko beams and are connected at intersection points by welded joints. The evolution of higher-order moduli with network parameters, such as network density, internal bending length of fibers, and the size of the window of analysis, is determined.