Abstract
We study the buckling of thin elastic plates caused by residual strains concentrated near a free edge. This is a model for plant leaves and torn plastic sheet morphologies. We derive new governing equations explaining self-similar patterns reported earlier in experiments. We reveal the cascade mechanism, determine the bounds for its wavelengths, and predict a similarity factor of 3 in agreement with experiments. This is confirmed by numerical solutions with up to five generations of wrinkles.
| Original language | English |
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| Journal | Physical Review Letters |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Aug 2003 |