M. K. Rausch

Polycaprolactone-based shape memory foams as self-fitting vaginal stents

This paper develops a self-fitting vaginal stent using shape-memory polymer foams that expand at body temperature to prevent vaginal stenosis, demonstrating effective shape recovery and retention in a simulated model.

Elasticity of Whole Blood Clots Measured via Volume Controlled Cavity Expansion

This paper measures the mechanical properties of whole blood clots using Volume Controlled Cavity Expansion and finds that a 1-term Ogden model captures their nonlinear elasticity, with a significant decrease in shear modulus after 2 days of storage.

Untangling the mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension-induced right ventricular stiffening in a large animal model

This study investigates the mechanisms of right ventricular stiffening in pulmonary hypertension using a large animal model, finding that myocardial stiffness is the primary contributor.

Sex- and Age-dependent Skin Mechanics - A Detailed Look in Mice

This study investigates age- and sex-dependent changes in skin mechanics in mice using mechanical testing, histology, collagen assays, and two-photon microscopy, revealing sex differences in stiffness that emerge with age.

The biaxial mechanics of thermally denaturing skin - Part I: Experiments

This study experimentally investigates the thermo-mechanical behavior of skin under heat, revealing anisotropic shrinkage and force generation during collagen denaturation.

The biaxial mechanics of thermally denaturing skin - Part II: Modeling

This paper tests two models of skin thermo-mechanics to explain how skin responds to superphysiological temperatures by linking collagen denaturation to mechanical behavior.

The tricuspid valve also maladapts: A multiscale study in sheep with biventricular heart failure

This study shows tricuspid valves maladapt in a sheep model of heart failure, leading to structural and mechanical changes that may contribute to tricuspid regurgitation.

Structural control of fibrin bioactivity by mechanical deformation

This study shows that mechanical deformation of fibrin induces structural changes that affect its biochemistry and platelet interactions, revealing a mechano-chemical feedback loop.

A Whole Blood Thrombus Mimic: Constitutive Behavior Under Simple Shear

This paper develops an in-vitro thrombus mimic from whole blood and tests its mechanical behavior under simple shear, finding strain-stiffening and the Ogden model provides the best fit.

Effect of shear and tensile loading on fibrin molecular structure revealed by coherent Raman microscopy

This study uses coherent Raman microscopy to examine how shear and tensile forces affect fibrin molecular structure at different strain levels.

Toward understanding thrombus fracture: Dissipative phenomena of whole blood clots

This study identifies and quantifies dissipative mechanisms in whole blood clots under various mechanical tests, revealing phenomena similar to hydrogels that are critical for understanding thrombus fracture.