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Mechanistic Origins of Toughness in Random Fibrin Fiber Networks
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DOI：10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106669.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Fibrin fibers form the fundamental load-bearing skeleton of blood clots and determine their stability and routes to failure. Understanding the rupture behavior of fibrin fiber networks is therefore essential for clarifying the mechanics in the process of thrombus formation, persistence, and removal. Here, we develop a coarse-grained fibrin-fiber model and a workflow to generate biomimetic random fibrin fiber networks that capture the microstructural variation of fibrin network during clot deformations. Using this framework, we systematically investigate how junction density, specimen width-to-length ratio, initial crack length, and fiber tortuosity govern network deformation and rupture. Our results reveal that rupture dynamics are largely controlled by the deformational freedom of fiber segments (fibers spanning between two junctions), which dictates the rupture sequence and the redistribution of load upon local failure. Increasing junction density in networks yields smoother stress–strain responses, whereas sparse networks fail through discrete, geometry-specific rupture events. In contrast to continuum fracture, rupture propagation in fibrin fiber networks is dominated by segment-to-segment strain heterogeneity induced by necking, which drives failure across crack and connector zones. The width-to-length ratio modulates rupture by changing the number of load-bearing fibers, whereas fiber tortuosity increases segment length, enhances deformational freedom, and improves fracture toughness. Together, these findings identify deformational freedom as a unifying principle that links geometry, mechanics, and rupture in fibrin fiber networks. By clarifying how structural parameters dictate fracture toughness and failure pathways, this work advances a mechanistic understanding of thrombus rupture and may help inform strategies for assessing rupture risks and guiding surgical thrombectomy.
Keywords:
Fibrin fiber networks
Rupture dynamics
Deformational freedom
Fracture toughness
Thrombus mechanics
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