The high frequency properties of brain tissue

Computer modeling is becoming increasingly important in the realm of brain biomechanics and injury. New computer simulations range from modeling of brain surgery, a low frequency, high strain event, to predicting injury as a result of an impact to the head, a high frequency event with varying strain magnitudes. This range of modeling efforts requires characterization of the tissue over as wide a frequency and strain range as possible. Research done to date has concentrated on the low frequency properties of the tissue. Complex compression and complex shear moduli have been measured at frequencies up to 350 Hz. Impact modeling requires use of frequency data at significantly higher frequencies than these. The "wave-in-a-tube" ultrasonic method was applied to brain tissue to determine mechanical properties at frequencies between 100 kHz and 10 MHz. Of these properties, only complex bulk modulus |K*| is fairly invariant (2133 MPa) with respect to frequency. Complex shear and complex Young's moduli vary with frequency and approach an asymptotic upper limit. Some variation in complex Poisson's ratio was also observed.