Modeling of fiber network

[novelle]

Hi,

My aim is model forming of fiber network.
I starts form randomly oriented dissimilar unconnected fibers and then I press them to contact each others; How I could produce bonds between surfaces/elements which are enough close to form a bond?
I Have idea to use constrains to mimic bonding. Could I search somehow potential contacts during analysis? maybe every increment?

Abaqus 6.11-2 / Dynamic, Explicit. General contact tool is used to model contact interactions as frictions etc.

Thank you for all answers.

[Jorgen]

What materials are you studying? And what is the polymer?

What you are trying to do is tricky. You may be able to get the required response using "sticky" contact.

-Jorgen

[novelle]

I am studying wood fibers and the forming of paper. Thus, polymers are mainly cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
Thank you for idea of sticky contact. I will check it out would that be the answer for my problem.