An unforeseen phenomenon in soft laminate model under enforced post-buckling wavelengths: model complexity and insights

This letter investigates an unforeseen phenomenon in post-buckled soft laminate models when the enforced wavelength deviates from the theoretical value. Through dispersion analysis, we identify the emergence of zero frequencies at post-buckling stretches, which serve as practical diagnostics for detecting significant mismatches in wavelength. Our results demonstrate that these zero modes shift based on the ratio between enforced and theoretical wavelengths and disappear at the Brillouin zone edges when the correct wavelength is applied. We further discuss the sensitivity of post-buckling behavior to the accuracy of imposed wavelengths and discuss the association of zero frequencies with model complexity embedded in these nonlinear models simulating the ideal buckling process. These findings provide new insights and considerations for future studies of buckling behavior in soft composites.