Dynamic deformation experiments on aortic tissue.

A simple experimental scheme is described for the determination of the dynamic stress-strain relations for fresh aortic tissue within the range of strain rates up to 3.5 set-I. This is the first such work known to the authors in this dynamic range, and is considered a necessary step toward a quantitative study of traumatic rupture of the aorta. The results indicate a definite stiffening of the tissue with increasing rates of strain; the stress-strain law exhibits an exponential character.