Tissue Viscoelasticity
The mechanical property of biological tissues exhibiting both elastic solid-like storage and viscous fluid-like energy dissipation under deformation.
Governing formula
Maxwell / Kelvin-Voigt Models: σ(t) = E ε(t) + η (dε / dt)
SI unit
Pa (Modulus) & Pa·s (Viscosity η)
In depth
Biological tissues (tendons, articular cartilage, blood vessels) exhibit time-dependent mechanical behaviors including stress relaxation, creep, hysteresis loops, and strain-rate-dependent stiffness.
Examples in the real world
Articular cartilage dissipating joint impact shock loads via fluid exudation and viscoelastic matrix deformation.