Mechanics of Growth

Growth is a distinguishing feature of all living things. This course introduces the concept of living systems through the lens of mechanics. We discuss the basic continuum theory for living systems including the kinematics, balance equations, and constitutive equations and the computational modeling of growth phenomena including growing plants, remodeling bone, healing wounds, growing tumors, atherosclerosis, expanding skin, failing hearts, developing brains, and the effects of high performance training.