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Mechanics of Soft Materials and Tissues
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:07
Abstract
An introduction to concepts for the constitutive modelling of highly deformable materials with non-linear properties is given in application to rubber-like materials and soft biological tissues. Related experimental methods for materials characterization and computational aspects of simulation are also briefly addressed.
Objective
After successful completion of the course students are able to • name important examples of the wide range of non-linear mechanical behaviours displayed by soft materials and tissues. • describe typical experimental set-ups for characterization soft materials and to critically interpret the corresponding experimental data. • explain basic physical concepts to relate the structure and mechanical properties of rubber-like materials and soft biological tissues. • discuss and safely apply mathematical concepts for modelling these materials. • explain, select and define suitable material models for rubber-like materials and soft biological tissues. • evaluate the response predicted by constitutive models in simple load cases.
Content
Soft solids: rubber-like materials, gels, soft biological tissues Non-linear continuum mechanics: kinematics, stress, balance laws Mechanical characterization: experiments and their interpretation Constitutive modeling: basic principles Large strain elasticity: hyperelastic materials Rubber-elasticity: statistical vs. phenomenological models Biomechanics of soft tissues: composites, anisotropy, heterogeneity Dissipative behavior: examples and the concept of internal variables.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Accompanying learning materials will be provided or made available for download during the course.
Literature
Recommended text: G.A. Holzapfel, Nonlinear Solid Mechanics - A continuum approach for engineering, 2000 L.R.G. Treloar, The physics of rubber elasticity, 3rd ed., 2005 P. Haupt, Continuum Mechanics and Theory of Materials, 2nd ed., 2002
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Mechanics of Soft Materials and Tissues |
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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