Wave propagation and soliton behavior in biomechanical tissues: A mathematical approach
Abstract
This study presents a mathematical model for understanding wave propagation and soliton behavior in biomechanical tissues, explicitly focusing on the Achilles tendon. Utilizing the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation, the research incorporates the Achilles tendons’ nonlinear elastic and viscoelastic properties to explore how mechanical waves propagate through this complex tissue. The tendon’s nonlinear elasticity leads to wave steepening, while its viscoelasticity introduces dispersive effects that counteract this steepening, resulting in the formation of solitons—stable, localized waves that maintain their shape as they propagate. Key findings from this study reveal that the formation and propagation of solitons are strongly influenced by the tendon’s mechanical properties. Numerical simulations show that stiffer tendons, characterized by a higher elasticity modulus, support faster soliton propagation, with wave speeds ranging from 18.9 m/s in damaged tendons to 28.6 m/s in stiffened tendons. Additionally, soliton amplitude increases with tissue stiffness, with the highest amplitude observed in stiffened tendons (5.1 mm) and the lowest in damaged tendons (3.2 mm). The study also demonstrates that energy dissipation due to the tendon’s viscoelasticity plays a critical role in soliton behavior. Damaged tendons exhibit the highest energy loss (18.6%), leading to shorter soliton propagation distances, while stiffer tendons retain more energy (96.1%) and allow solitons to travel further distances (up to 180 mm). Moreover, the balance between nonlinearity and dispersion is crucial for maintaining soliton stability. Excessive nonlinearity leads to unstable solitons, while higher levels of dispersion contribute to more stable waveforms.
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