On a three–dimensional model for the description of the passive characteristics of skeletal muscle tissue

In this work, a three–dimensional model was developed to describe the passive mechanical behaviour of anisotropic skeletal muscle tissue. To validate the model, orientation–dependent axial ([Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] ) and semi–confined compression experiments (mode I, II, III) were performed on soleus muscle tissue from rabbits. In the latter experiments, specimen deformation is prescribed in the loading direction and prevented in an additional spatial direction, fibre compression at [Formula: see text] (mode I), fibre elongation at [Formula: see text] (mode II) and a neutral state of the fibres at [Formula: see text] where their length is kept constant (mode III). Overall, the model can adequately describe the mechanical behaviour with a relatively small number of model parameters. The stiffest tissue response during orientation–dependent axial compression ([Formula: see text] kPa) occurs when the fibres are oriented perpendicular to the loading direction ([Formula: see text] ) and are thus stretched during loading. Semi–confined compression experiments yielded the stiffest tissue ([Formula: see text] kPa) in mode II when the muscle fibres are stretched. The extensive data set collected in this study allows to study the different error measures depending on the deformation state or the combination of deformation states.