CAREER: Multi-scale Mechanics of Soft Tissues

Tulane University, New Orleans LA

Investigators

Abstract

0093969 Livesay This CAREER project is to establish a productive, integrated research and educational program with a focus on the multi-scale mechanics of soft tissues. One promising approach for the analysis of materials possessing microstructure is homogenization, involving the analysis of a repeating microstructural unit coupled to a macroscopic level analysis. However, the applicability of this strategy to biologic soft tissues is currently limited, since it has thus far been restricted to linear elastic media. Further research and development are needed to extend the homogenization approach for anisotropic and non-homogeneous media. This project will develop a research and educational program on the multi-scale mechanics of soft tissues, through the following specific objectives: 1. Implement and optimize a homogenization approach for computational analysis of multi-scale mechanics under finite deformation. 2. Perform experimental validation of the homogenization approach using synthetic tissues created with known microstructure. 3. Extend the homogenization approach for the analysis of synthetic tissues possessing both directional and spatial variation in material properties. 4. Determine the multi-scale mechanical environment within biological soft tissue under simple loading. 5. Integrate active learning experiences into existing undergraduate and new graduate Biomedical Engineering courses. The fundamental research will develop critically important tools for the analysis of the multi-scale mechanics of biological soft tissues. The complementary educational improvements will increase student learning/retention and encourage further study of multi-scale mechanics, thus enhancing the quality of biomechanics education and research.