151-0513-00L Mechanics of Soft Materials and Tissues
Semester | Spring Semester 2019 |
Lecturers | A. E. Ehret |
Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
Language of instruction | English |
Abstract | An introduction to concepts for the constitutive modelling of highly deformable materials with non-linear properties is given in application to rubber-like materials and soft biological tissues. Related experimental methods for materials characterization and computational methods for simulation are addressed. |
Objective | The objective of the course is to provide an overview of the wide range of non-linear mechanical behaviors displayed by soft materials and tissues together with a basic understanding of their physical origin, to familiarize students with appropriate mathematical concepts for their modelling, and to illustrate the application of these concepts in different fields in mechanics. |
Content | Soft solids: rubber-like materials, gels, soft biological tissues Non-linear continuum mechanics: kinematics, stress, balance laws Mechanical characterization: experiments and their interpretation Constitutive modeling: basic principles Large strain elasticity: hyperelastic materials Rubber-elasticity: statistical vs. phenomenological models Biomechanics of soft tissues: composites, anisotropy, heterogeneity Dissipative behavior: examples and the concept of internal variables. |
Lecture notes | Accompanying learning materials will be provided or made available for download during the course. |
Literature | Recommended text: G.A. Holzapfel, Nonlinear Solid Mechanics - A continuum approach for engineering, 2000 L.R.G. Treloar, The physics of rubber elasticity, 3rd ed., 2005 P. Haupt, Continuum Mechanics and Theory of Materials, 2nd ed., 2002 |
Prerequisites / Notice | A good knowledge base in continuum mechanics, ideally a completed course, is recommended. |