The simulation of the swelling and deswelling dynamics of gels

We have formulated the dynamics and the simulation scheme for large deformation of gels using the stress-diffusion coupling model [Yamaue, T., Taniguchi, T., and Doi, M., 2000, AIP Conference Proceedings , Vol. 519 (AIP), p. 584]. Using this model, we have simulated the deswelling process of 2D slab thermo-responsive gels undergoing spinodal decomposition, in comparison with the conventional collective diffusion model of gel networks. We reproduced the 'plateau period' due to the surface skin formation and the pattern formations in the inner region of gels by the stress-diffusion coupling model.