Modified Moore–Gibson–Thompson Pennes’ bioheat transfer model for a finite biological tissue subjected to harmonic thermal loading

Abstract

Medical scientists frequently employ the Pennes bioheat equation as a computational tool to comprehend the intricate dynamics of thermal energy dispersion within living tissues. This equation, endowed with pronounced utility, finds paramount significance in the realm of therapeutic interventions, notably hyperthermia, wherein regulated elevation of tissue temperatures is administered for multifarious medical objectives. The utilization of this technology significantly enhances the optimization of treatment protocols and the preservation of temperature levels within crucial anatomical regions of the human body. To ensure the effectiveness of therapies and to uphold the utmost welfare of patients, meticulous monitoring of the thermal response of tissues subjected to thermal stimuli becomes imperative. This study introduces a mathematical formulation of the Pennes equation, specifically tailored for capturing the biothermal conduction phenomena transpiring in the intricate structure of skin tissue by employing the Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) equation. This model enables accurate predictions of the thermal response of human skin to temperature variations. The key differentiating factor of this model is the incorporation of the concept of time delay. This inclusion serves the purpose of minimizing the rapid propagation of thermal energy within biological tissues, ultimately restricting its diffusion at limited rates. The proposed model is employed to characterize the intricacies of heat transfer in a slender, constrained stratum of skin tissue that is subject to a harmonic thermal stimulus. The computational outcomes are presented with the aid of illustrative figures, effectively highlighting the impact of model parameters on the temperature and deformation distributions within the material.