Abstract
In contrast to the constitutive modelling of elastic arteries, only a little attention has been paid to mechanical properties of surrounding tissue. This article presents preliminary results obtained during investigation of the biomechanics of extravascular environment.
The elastic modulus of human perivascular adipose tissue was determined from uniaxial tensile tests performed with six rectangular samples obtained from abdominal aortic site. Samples were excised during the autopsy of two males aged 41 and 71.
Strongly nonlinear stress-strain relationship was observed. It was found that highly compliant response characterized with the initial elastic modulus of about 0.0170 +- 0.0182 MPa (mean +- standard deviation) is exhibited approximately up to the stretch of 1.05.
Initial linear response is followed by gradual stiffening which subsequently continues with hardened linear region. Tangential elastic modulus of about 0.3210 +- 0.1183 MPa was observed in the hardened region at the stretches from 1.076 to 1.135.