Reassessment of brain elasticity for analysis of biomechanisms of hydrocephalus.
This paper presents results from a finite element study of the biomechanics of hydrocephalus, with special emphasis on a reassessment of the parenchyma elastic modulus. A two-dimensional finite element model of the human brain/ventricular system is developed and analysed under hydrocephalic loading conditions. It is shown that the Young's modulus of the brain parenchyma used in previous studies (3000-10000 Pa) corresponds to strain rates much higher than those present in hydrocephalic brains. Consideration of the brain's viscoelasticity leads to the derivation of a considerably lower modulus value of approximately 584 Pa.
Taylor
Zeike
Z
School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley/Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
Miller
Karol
K
D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed