Semi-stochastic cell-level computational modelling of cellular forces: application to contractures in burns and cyclic loading

Abstract

A phenomenological model is formulated to model cellular forces on extracellular material. The model is capable of modelling both expansion and contractile forces. This work is based on the assumption of linear elasticity, which allows a superposition argument to arrive at fundamental expressions for cellular forces. It is also shown how the cellular forces can be implemented using different strategies, as well as an extension to cellular point sources. Illustrations are given for modelling a (permanent) contraction (e.g. a contracture) of burns and for cyclic loading by the cells.