Inverse identification of region-specific hyperelastic material parameters for human brain tissue

The identification of material parameters accurately describing the region-dependent mechanical behavior of human brain tissue is crucial for computational models used to assist, e.g., the development of safety equipment like helmets or the planning and execution of brain surgery. While the division of the human brain into different anatomical regions is well established, knowledge about regions with distinct mechanical properties remains limited. Here, we establish an inverse parameter identification scheme using a hyperelastic Ogden model and experimental data from multi-modal testing of tissue from 19 anatomical human brain regions to identify mechanically distinct regions and provide the corresponding material parameters. We assign the 19 anatomical regions to nine governing regions based on similar parameters and microstructures. Statistical analyses confirm differences between the regions and indicate that at least the corpus callosum and the corona radiata should be assigned different material parameters in computational models of the human brain. We provide a total of four parameter sets based on the two initial Poisson’s ratios of 0.45 and 0.49 as well as the pre- and unconditioned experimental responses, respectively. Our results highlight the close interrelation between the Poisson’s ratio and the remaining model parameters. The identified parameters will contribute to more precise computational models enabling spatially resolved predictions of the stress and strain states in human brains under complex mechanical loading conditions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10237-023-01739-w.