Figure 1.

(a) Reconstructed matrix deformations (cross section through the z-plane) for a single contracting FDB fiber with a length of 446 μm, a width of 32 μm, and 4% strain. Displacement magnitude and direction are indicated by the colorbar and arrows. (b) Shown are reconstructed forces at the fiber surface. Absolute forces decrease toward the center. Total contractility is determined from the forces in the x-direction summed over all surface nodes from one end of the fiber to its center. The force direction is predominantly aligned along the fiber axis as indicated by arrows. An outward normal directed force component due to volume conservation becomes visible for small displacements near the center. To see this figure in color, go online.