A new stochastic inverse identification of the mechanical properties of human skin

• Published in: Engineering optimization Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 61 - 75
• Main Authors: Delalleau, Alexandre, Josse, Gwendal, Lagarde, Jean-Michel, Zahouani, Hassan, Bergheau, Jean-Michel, Toscano, Rosario
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01.01.2011; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Biomedical materials; finite element; Finite element analysis; Human; human skin; Human subjects; Inverse method; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; Optimization; Skin; stochastic approach; Stochastic models; Stochasticity; Studies; suction test; Surgical implants; Tissues
• ISSN: 0305-215X; 1029-0273
• DOI: 10.1080/03052151003739606

The study of the mechanical properties of human skin is a key point to better understand surgery, skin ageing and pathologies. As the skin is a living tissue, it must be studied in vivo, hence analytical solutions are really difficult to obtain. In this study, a new stochastic inverse method for the identification of its mechanical properties is proposed. The developed optimization method is first presented. It is based on an iterative stochastic approach which ensures the identification of a global extremum. The suction actual case study is then analysed through comparisons between experimental data and finite element models of this test. Only the elastic components of the skin are considered here. The solutions for the recursive least squares and Gauss-Newton's problems are finally compared with the proposed approach to conclude this study and to briefly present our future works.