A finite-element model for the mechanical analysis of skeletal muscles

In the present paper, a finite-element model for simulating muscle mechanics is described. Based on nonlinear continuum mechanics an algorithm is proposed that includes the contractile active and passive properties of skeletal muscle. Stress in the muscle is assumed to result from the superposition of a passive and an active part. The passive properties are described by a hyperelastic constitutive material law whereas the active part depends on the fibre length, shortening velocity and an activation function. The constraint of approximate incompressibility of the muscle element is satisfied as a property of the constitutive equations. Because of the nonlinear behaviour of the material and the highly dynamical performance an incremental procedure including iterative methods is used. The advantage of the model over previous formulations is the possibility to integrate the element into an engineering standard finite-element programme ANSYS using advanced numerical tools. The model allows simulations of muscle recruitment, calculations of stress and strain distributions and predictions of muscle shape. Other possible applications are studies of the muscle architecture, the effect of inertia and impacts. First, simple examples are presented. (C) 2000 Academic Press.