Mechanical Model Results Gallery

The following images have been generated by a computer model in which energy stored and dissipated in a loaded material is shown respectively above and below a horizontal axis through the centre of the pattern. This graphical template gives a picture of how strain energy is handled by the material and thus describes a mechanical behaviour. A full explanation of the technique is given in A New Look at Linear Visco-Elasticity.

Theoretical models

This is a standard linear visco-elastic solid

This is non-linear visco-elastic.

See Is Linear Viscoelasticity Sandwiched Between an Elastic Disconnection and Super-Goo?

Biological Tissues

Through a biomechanical control mechanismbiological tissues have an ability to modify their visco-elastic properties to match environmental demand.

Articular cartilage is one such tissue which lines synovial joints such as the hip and the knee and provides a bearing surface to facilitate movement. In osteo-arthritis this tissue breaks down mechanically allowing the bones to come into contact. A destructive cycle leads to debilitating pain. Osteo-arthritis is a failure of articular cartilage to adapt to the mechanical environment to which it is exposed. Profound changes occur in the visco-elastic behaviour of articular cartilage with age.

Human hip cartilage age 17

Human hip cartilage age 44

Human hip cartilage age 75

These images correlate with a mechanical weakening of articular cartilage with age from 30.4 MPa at 17 years, 7.2 MPa at 44 years to 5.2 MPa at 75 years. An understanding of what is going on here may advance an understanding of the processes of osteo-arthritic degeneration.

Where Next?

A New Look at Linear Visco-Elasticity.

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