The elasticity of arterial tissue affected by Marfan’s syndrome

Artery dilatation is a failure mechanism related to, in particular, Marfan’s syndrome. In this paper we study the mechanical consequences of the localized strain softening that has been identified as associated with Marfan’s syndrome. Specifically, we examine the influence of localized strain softening on the bifurcation of inflated thin-walled cylinders under axial loading with particular reference to the mechanical response of arteries that are weakened by Marfan’s syndrome.