MAE 6670

Soft Tissue Biomechanics II: Viscoelasticity and Phasic Theory

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Application of mechanics and materials principles to orthopaedic soft tissues. Mechanical properties of cartilage, tendon, and ligaments; applied viscoelasticity theory for cartilage, tendon, and ligament; cartilage, tendon, and ligament biology; tendon and ligament wound healing; osteoarthritis.

Prerequisites ENGRD 2020.

Enrollment Priority Enrollment limited to: graduate students.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2024FA, 2023SP, 2022SP

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to know and understand the function and physiology of orthopaedic soft tissues that lead to effective joint function.
• Students will be able to develop a basic understanding of viscoelasticity theory and its application to orthopaedic tissues.
• Students will be able to apply linear viscoelasticity, quasilinear viscoelasticity, and biphasic theory to tendon, ligament, cartilage, and fibrocartilage.
• Students will be able to understand the rationale for using these theories to characterize the mechanical behavior of orthopaedic tissues.

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