Simulation of Nanoindentation Response of Empty and Filled Viral Capsids

• The nanoindentation response of empty and filled viral capsids is modelled using three dimensional finite element analysis. Simulation with two different geometries, spherical and icosahedral, are performed using the finite element code Abaqus. The capsids are modeled as non-linear Hookean elastic and both small and large deformation analysis is performed. Force-indentation curves for three different viral capsids are directly compared to experimental data and the Young’s modulus is determined by calibrating the force-indentation curve to data from atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments. Predictions are made for two additional viral capsids. The results from the simulation showed a good agreement with AFM data, see [1].

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Teknisk mekanik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Applied Mechanics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

FE simulation

nanoidentation

viral capsids

Publication and Content Type

kon (subject category)

ref (subject category)