Experimental verification of brain tissue incompressibility using digital image correlation

For decades, incompressibility has been a major assumption in the mechanical study of brain tissue. This assumption is based on the hydrated nature of the biological tissues and the incompressibility of fluids. In this paper, an experimental validation of this assumption using digital image correlation is presented. Unconfined compression tests, relaxation tests and cyclic tests were performed on cylindrical samples of swine brains at loading rates suitable for neurosurgical applications. Digital image correlation was used to evaluate the evolution of the volume ratio throughout the tests. The preparation of the samples is described and it is demonstrated that it causes no statistically significant change of their mechanical properties. The results indicate that the brain tissue incompressibility assumption is verified.

► Digital image correlation was used to verify brain tissue incompressibility.
► The application of a speckle pattern did not change the tissue’s mechanical properties.
► Compression, relaxation and cyclic tests were performed.
► Brain tissue incompressibility assumption was confirmed by the present study.