  We derive a novel formulation for the interaction potential between
deformable fibers due to short-range fields arising from intermolecular forces.
The formulation improves the existing section-section interaction potential law
for in-plane beams by considering an offset between interacting cross sections.
The new law is asymptotically consistent, which is particularly beneficial for
computationally demanding scenarios involving short-range interactions like van
der Waals and steric forces. The formulation is implemented within a framework
of rotation-free Bernoulli-Euler beams utilizing the isogeometric paradigm. The
improved accuracy of the novel law is confirmed through thorough numerical
studies. We apply the developed formulation to investigate the complex behavior
observed during peeling and pull-off of elastic fibers interacting via the
Lennard-Jones potential.
