Numerical simulations of arteries with an adaptive finite element method

This paper presents applications of the adaptive FEM in computational biomechanics. The study involves finite deformation of artery walls built of layers of elastic, nearly incompressible (rubber-like) materials. The models are reinforced with nearly inextensible collagen fibres stretched along the directions close to the circumferential direction. A Total Lagrangian technique based on the displacement-pressure formulation is presented. Residual error estimates and finite element mesh adaptation strategies are developed. The procedures are illustrated for solutions of arteries under various load considerations.