Editing Biomechanics (section)

=== Continuum biomechanics ===
The mechanical analysis of [[biomaterial]]s and biofluids is usually carried forth with the concepts of [[continuum mechanics]]. This assumption breaks down when the [[length scale]]s of interest approach the order of the microstructural details of the material. One of the most remarkable characteristics of biomaterials is their [[hierarchy|hierarchical]] structure. In other words, the mechanical characteristics of these materials rely on physical phenomena occurring in multiple levels, from the [[molecular]] all the way up to the [[tissue (biology)|tissue]] and [[organ (anatomy)|organ]] levels.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}

Biomaterials are classified into two groups: hard and [[soft tissues]]. Mechanical deformation of hard tissues (like [[wood]], [[Seashell|shell]] and [[bone]]) may be analysed with the theory of [[linear elasticity]]. On the other hand, soft tissues (like [[skin]], [[tendon]], [[muscle]], and [[cartilage]]) usually undergo large deformations, and thus, their analysis relies on the [[finite strain theory]] and [[computer simulation]]s. The interest in continuum biomechanics is spurred by the need for realism in the development of medical simulation.<ref name="Fung">{{harvnb|Fung|1993|}}</ref>{{rp|568}}