Mechanical Characterization of Biomaterialsa

Experimental testing and computational modeling are two useful tools for mechanical characterization of biomaterials, providing insight into material stresses and strains and the possibility of mechanical failure and fatigue. Another interesting issue to consider, however, is tissue response to mechanical stress and strain and incorporation of that knowledge into design to create materials that form mechanically effective tissue-material interfaces in vivo. Experimental testing, computational modeling, and tissue response to stress and strain are discussed in the context of enhancing biomaterial design.