LAUSR

Abstract We model the thermo-visco-hyperelastic behavior of soft tissues using a thermodynamic framework. For this purpose, we develop a rheological model which can predict the stress–stretch behavior as well as the temperature variation due to visco-hyperelasticity and rate-dependent damage of the matrix and fibers. In a second stage, we carry out a set of cyclic uniaxial tensile tests to provide experimental data and calculate the material constants for the constitutive model utilizing the genetic algorithm. Later, with the purpose of validation, we determine the stress–stretch relation, and determine the temperature change in another series of experiments, and draw comparisons with the model predictions. The results show that the material behavior strongly depends on the temperature, strain rate and also the fiber’s direction. We determine that the temperature change is more significant at high strain rate and initial temperature levels and that it is necessary to use the developed coupled model.