Characterization of soft tissue mechanics with aging

Abstract

The mechanical response of soft connective tissues can be simulated by using a constitutive approach. This method is based on a thorough investigation of the microstructural configuration of the tissue, the mechanical behavior of its components, and their mutual interaction. The most interesting aspect of this model, beyond the obvious ability to match the response of the tissue under general conditions, is the possibility to identify a set of parameters with a specific physical meaning, which regard the structural conformation of the tissue. Therefore, by using the proposed approach, it is possible to predict the mechanical behavior of the tissue when a change in its components can be defined, which is the specific case of aged tissues.