A sub-domain inverse finite element characterization of hyperelastic membranes including soft tissues

Quantification of the mechanical behavior of hyperelastic membranes in their service configuration, particularly biological tissues, is often challenging because of the complicated geometry, material heterogeneity, and nonlinear behavior under finite strains. Parameter estimation thus requires sophisticated techniques like the inverse finite element method. These techniques can also become difficult to apply, however, if the domain and boundary conditions are complex (e.g. a non-axisymmetric aneurysm). Quantification can alternatively be achieved by applying the inverse finite element method over sub-domains rather than the entire domain. The advantage of this technique, which is consistent with standard experimental practice, is that one can assume homogeneity of the material behavior as well as of the local stress and strain fields. In this paper, we develop a sub-domain inverse finite element method for characterizing the material properties of inflated hyperelastic membranes, including soft tissues. We illustrate the performance of this method for three different classes of materials: neo-Hookean, Mooney Rivlin, and Fung-exponential.