Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:39
Characterizing Dissipative Elastic Metamaterials Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Published on: June 28, 2024
Viscoelastic properties of human tympanic membrane
Tao Cheng1, Chenkai Dai, Rong Z Gan
1School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Center, University of Oklahoma, 865 Asp Avenue, Room 200, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|December 13, 2006
Summary
This study measured the viscoelastic properties of the human tympanic membrane (eardrum) using tensile and stress relaxation tests. Findings provide crucial data for understanding ear biomechanics and sound transmission.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Bioengineering
- Otoacoustic Engineering
Background:
- The tympanic membrane (eardrum) is crucial for sound transmission, converting sound waves into mechanical vibrations.
- Limited data exists on the viscoelastic properties of the tympanic membrane, especially at low stress levels.
- Understanding these properties is vital for ear biomechanics and the development of auditory prosthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the non-linear elastic and viscoelastic mechanical properties of fresh human cadaver tympanic membrane (TM) specimens.
- To establish a constitutive equation and quantify viscoelastic behavior under low stress conditions.
- To validate experimental methods for measuring ear tissue mechanics.
Main Methods:
- Uniaxial tensile, stress relaxation, and failure tests were performed on human cadaver TM specimens.
- Digital image correlation (DIC) was employed to analyze strain distribution and deformation.
- Experimental data was modeled using the hyperelastic Ogden model.
Main Results:
- The study presents the constitutive equation and non-linear elastic properties of the TM as functions of stress and strain (0-1 MPa).
- Viscoelastic properties were characterized by stress relaxation functions and hysteresis measurements.
- The uniaxial tensile test combined with DIC proved to be a reliable method for measuring TM mechanical properties.
Conclusions:
- The research provides essential experimental measurements and theoretical analysis of human tympanic membrane mechanical properties.
- The findings contribute significantly to the field of ear biomechanics.
- This data can inform future research in auditory device design and diagnostics.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:16Anatomy of the Ear
Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:15Strain and Elastic Modulus
The quantity that describes the deformation of a body under stress is known as strain. Strain is given as a fractional change in either length, volume, or geometry under tensile, volume (also known as bulk), or shear stress, respectively, and is a dimensionless quantity. The strain experienced by a body under tensile or compressive stress is called tensile or compressive strain, respectively. In contrast, the strain experienced under bulk stress and shear stress is known as volume and shear...
01:12Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity
Elastic fiber contains the protein elastin along with lesser amounts of other proteins and glycoproteins. The main property of elastin is that it will return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. Elastic fibers are prominent in elastic tissues found in skin and the elastic ligaments of the vertebral column.
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
01:15Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
Deformation occurs in axial and transverse directions when an axial load is applied to a slender bar. This deformation impacts the cubic element within the bar, transforming it into either a rectangular parallelepiped or a rhombus, contingent on its orientation. This transformation process induces shearing strain. Axial loading elicits both shearing and normal strains. Applying an axial load instigates equal normal and shearing stresses on elements oriented at a 45° angle to the load axis.