Nonlinear Theory of Elasticity: Applications in Biomechanics

Soft biological tissues often undergo large elastic (or nearly elastic) deformations that can be analyzed using the nonlinear theory of elasticity. Because of the varied approaches to nonlinear elasticity in the literature, some aspects of the subject may be difficult to appreciate. This book attempts to clarify and unify those treatments, illustrating the advantages and disadvantages of each through various examples in the mechanics of soft tissues. Applications include muscle, arteries, the heart, embryonic tissues, and biological membranes.