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Published on: April 11, 2018
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Skeletal muscle: Modeling the mechanical behavior by taking the hierarchical microstructure into account
Jens Lamsfuss1, Swantje Bargmann2
1Chair of Solid Mechanics, School of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Germany.
Summary
This study models skeletal muscle mechanics, revealing how fiber activation and microstructure influence force generation and damage risk. Findings identify optimal arrangements for unipennate muscles under various loading conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Computational Mechanics
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Skeletal muscles are complex hierarchical fiber-matrix composites crucial for mammalian mobility.
- Understanding muscle mechanical behavior requires analyzing fascicle and fiber-level interactions.
- Existing models often simplify the coupled electro-chemo-mechanical processes during muscle contraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply continuum mechanics hyperelastic material models for muscle fascicles, fibers, and endomysium.
- To investigate the mechanical behavior of muscle tissue considering coupled electrical, chemical, and mechanical processes.
- To analyze the impact of microstructure, activation dynamics, and loading conditions on muscle function and damage susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of hyperelastic material models for endomysium and muscle fibers.
- Incorporation of coupled electro-chemo-mechanical processes, including activation level changes and potential propagation.
- Simulation of normal and shear forces on unipennate muscles with varying pennation angles.
- Analysis of local stresses and strains within muscle fibers and endomysium.
Main Results:
- The model captures the complex material behavior of fascicles, fibers, and endomysium.
- Interactions between muscle fibers and endomysium were examined under changing activation states.
- Fiber lifting force and height were analyzed for different pennation angles under applied loads.
- Regions at high risk of damage were identified based on simulated stress and strain distributions.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides insights into skeletal muscle mechanics at the fascicle and fiber level.
- Optimal microstructural arrangements for unipennate muscles were determined for specific loading scenarios (very small or very large pennation angles).
- The study highlights the importance of considering coupled processes and microstructural details for predicting muscle performance and injury risk.
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