Affiliations: Institute of Solid Mechanics, Mechatronics and Biomechanics, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic | [x] Mechanical Engineering Faculty, Laboratory for Materials Technology, University of Applied Science, Regensburg, Germany | [y] University Clinic, Department of Traumatology, Regensburg, Germany
Abstract: The paper deals with problems related to computational modelling of stress-strain states in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). First, motivation for stress-strain analysis of SMCs is presented. Problems of their structure, geometry, constitutive models and initial (stress-free) state are analyzed on the basis of anatomical, histological and physiological knowledge. Various types of computational FE models of SMCs are presented; their constitutive models are identified on the basis of published mechanical tests carried out with SMCs cultured in vitro. Results of two models are presented; the former is a homogeneous model of the cell tension test with hyperelastic constitutive relations of the cell material. The latter model is more complex, it comprehends cortical and deep cytoskeleton, modelled as a tensegrity structure, and homogeneous linear elastic nucleus and remaining cytoplasm; it is used in computational modelling of indentation test. Perspectives, assumptions and limitations of computational modelling of SMCs under physiological load are discussed.
