On the continuum mechanics of growing plant-like structures

Abstract The contribution at hand focuses on the introduction of a novel approach to model biological growth. proposed formulations are chosen represent plant like structures. Therefore, thermomechanically open systems considered. balance laws presented for such systems. Furthermore, coupled with an adaptive meshing framework. so-called structural generator is and utilized in this work. Since no growth within framework continuum mechanics exist so far systems, set constitutive equations shown. newly described principles phototropism graviotropism. In numerical examples, it shown that formulation yields physically meaningful results. combination different results plausible interactions aforementioned principles. simulations shown, which process