Figure 5.

The model fit for the experimental data of multi-step ramp loading and relaxation of cartilage in tension [ 37 ]. The foregoing test consisted of 5 steps of 2% ramp tension at 0.15%/s followed by stress relaxation. The early relaxation seems to overlap the loading phase because the time involved was very short compared to the large time scale used for the plot. These data were used to characterize the viscous parameters, b ₄, τ _i and w _i , in Table 2.