The compressive response of porcine adipose tissue from low to high strain rate

Subcutaneous adipose tissue has been tested in uniaxial compression over a wide range of strain rates from quasi-static to 5700 s−1. In the quasi-static regime, the tissue was subjected to fully reversed cyclic loading. A symmetric tensile-compressive response was observed with lock-up at tensile and compressive strains of 25%. Uniaxial compressive tests at high strain rates (1000 s−1–5700 s−1) were conducted with a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) using polycarbonate bars. Over the full range of strain rate from quasi-static to high strain rate, the magnitude of stress increases with strain rate whereas the shape of the stress versus strain response is invariant: the stress level scales with the initial modulus E. A one term Ogden energy density function is adequate for describing the shape of the stress versus strain response at any given strain rate.

► Adipose tissue locks-up at tensile and compressive strains of 25%. ► The response stiffens considerably at strain rates above 100/s. ► Polycarbonate bars give high sensitivity in the split Hopkinson bar test.