Dispersive wave propagation in disordered flexible fibers enhances stress attenuation.

We experimentally and computationally analyze impact-shock-induced stress wave propagation in packings of disordered flexible fibers. We find that dispersive wave propagation, associated with large stress attenuation, occurs much more prevalently in systems with larger fiber aspect ratios and moderate fiber flexibility. We trace these features to the microstructural properties of fiber contact chains and the energy-trapping abilities of deformable fibers. These findings provide insights into physics of the shock-impacted flexible fiber packings and open the way toward an improved granular-material-based damping technology.