Mechanical Response of Caprine Muscle under Compression at Varying Strain Rates

Abstract

Soft tissues such as muscles in human body are subjected to varying strain rates under dynamic compressive loadings during automobile accidents. In contrast to recent safety tests involving crash dummies, an efficient method to predict the impact-induced injuries and risks is computational modelling and simulations. In high-impact scenario, development of an accurate human body model needs a thorough understanding of mechanical response of soft tissues at varying strain rates. In the present study, stress-strain response of caprine muscle tissue were tested under compressive loading at varying strain rates using custom-built polymeric split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Lower extremity muscle tissues were subjected to high strain rate compressive loadings at 600, 1700, 3200 and 4500 s-1. The directional dependency of muscle tissue were examined along and perpendicular to muscle fiber direction. Caprine muscle tissue showed a non-linear and highly strain rate dependant mechanical response at high strain rates under compressive loading in both fiber directions. The experimental findings can further be used in the development of human body models of muscle tissues under impact loadings.