| MadSci Network: Anatomy |
The mechanical properties of the human tympanic membrane (ear drum) have been studied fairly well. Here are a couple of the measured and modeled parameters that have been studied.
Elastic Modulus
Between 0.1 and 0.3 GPa
From: Fay J, Puria S, Decraemer WF, Steele C. Three approaches for estimating the elastic modulus of the tympanic membrane. J Biomech. 2005 Sep;38(9):1807-15.
Tensile Strength
"The adjusted values for fresh human specimens were 2.56 kgf.mm-2 at a
right angle to the radial fibres and 3.28 kgf.mm-2 parallel to them.
Note: kgf.mm-2 is a kilogram of force per square mm
From: Yamamoto N, Ishii T, Machida T. Measurement of the mechanical properties of the tympanic membrane with a microtension tester. Acta Otolaryngol. 1990 Jul-Aug;110(1-2):85-91. Related Articles, Links
These and other articles can be found on pubmed.gov with the terms "tympanic membrane mechanical properties"
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