A thick walled viscoelastic model for the mechanics of arteries

A knowledge of the mechanics of arteries is of importance in the determination of vessel rheological properties and in the studies of blood flow and certain arterial diseases. Most existing arterial models treat only wave motions; however, other types of motion, in particular those associated with flow development and other end effects, occur in the vascular system. Thus, a model is needed which can be applied to a variety of possible types of motion.

An arterial model is described which includes the effects of thick walls, linear viscoelasticity, and wall tethering. The forms of the displacements and stresses are found independently of the exact form of the applied fluid stresses; thus, the results are applicable to a range of possible dynamical conditions. Displacements and stress states can then be found from experimental or theoretical knowledge of the blood pressure and flow. The results are applied to flow development and wave propagation regions in the arteries.