A triplane video-based experimental system for studying axisymmetrically inflated biomembranes

• Published in: IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 442 - 450
• Main Authors: Hsu, F.P.K., Liu, A.M.C., Downs, J., Rigamonti, D., Humphrey, J.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-05-1995; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Aneurysm; Biological and medical sciences; Biological tissues; Biomembranes; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Mechanical factors; Mechanical variables measurement; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Technology; Particle measurements; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Performance evaluation; Rubber; Strain measurement; System testing; Test objet; Stretchability; Swelling; Experimental study; Video recording; Biomechanics; Tissue; Asymmetry; Measurement technique; Three dimensional system; Membrane; Rubber; Curvature; Biomedical engineering; Visual control
• ISSN: 0018-9294; 1558-2531
• DOI: 10.1109/10.376148

Uniform inflation experiments are useful for studying the multiaxial mechanical properties of thin biological soft tissues, but previous inflation studies have been limited by: (1) the lack of a theory that allows a specific form of the constitutive relation to be inferred directly from data; and (2) slow, off-line methods for the measurement and analysis of strain. Here, the authors describe a new on-line, triplane, video-based experimental system for performing new theoretically based tests on axisymmetrically inflated biomembranes. In particular, in-plane principal stretch ratios and principal curvatures can be measured continuously in multiple regions during pressure-controlled inflation tests. Data from tests on rubber membranes and fusiform aneurysms illustrate the utility of both the new theory and the experimental system.< >