Structural Analysis of an Arteriole by the Direct Stiffness Method

Abstract

The direct stiffness method is used to analyze the structural response of the cross section of an arteriole which is both heterogeneous and nonlinear in terms of structural response. A typical segment of the cross section is represented by an assembly of triangular elements. The stiffness matrix and strain-displacement relationships are then derived in terms of polar coordinates for a triangular plate element. Viscoelasticity is included in this structural analysis by using a piecewise linear approach. Stress-time and displacement-time data are presented for two typical cross sections of the arteriole. These results reveal special properties of a heterogeneous structure which is undergoing viscoelastic deformations.