Figure 9.

Force F, stiffness E, and damage d versus stretch λ for $n=1440$ axon model simulations with varying stretch rates $\dot{\lambda }$, without and with microtubule dynamics. The boundary of the gray region indicates the undamaged elastic response $E_0$. Every colored curve is associated with a different stretch rate and begins to deviate from the elastic response as cross-links detach. The accumulation of cross-link detachment gradually results in a decrease in force, a decrease in stiffness, and an increase in damage. Including microtubule (MT) dynamics decreases the elastic force and stiffness, whereas the damage characteristics remain virtually unaffected. To see this figure in color, go online.