151-0513-00L  Mechanics of Soft Materials and Tissues

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersA. E. Ehret
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractAn 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.
ObjectiveThe 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.
ContentSoft 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 notesAccompanying learning materials will be provided or made available for download during the course.
LiteratureRecommended 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 / NoticeA good knowledge base in continuum mechanics, ideally a completed course in non-linear continuum mechanics, is recommended.