polymer hydration

Dave Pinella

All,

I'm starting to look into the hydration process of a polymer. After the monomer is solidified by light, it goes through a hydration process. It may be up to 50% hydrated. During the hydration process, the rate of hydration may be stress dependent. I would like to find a finite element tool or the like to simulate this process. I'm really looking for the final shape. I've been doing a lot of digging and I'm getting a little bit of information but anything that anybody can suggest would be greatly appreciated. Is there any specific software package that I should be looking at? Any research that I can be pointed to?

Thanks!

Dave P