Figure 3
Axial strain and stress gradients produced in tendon fascicles.
(a,b) The axial strains (εyy) averaged over the uncut side of the tissue decreased with distance away from the notch. This axial strain gradient along the sample length is similar to that observed on the uncut side of the gelatin gel and demonstrates the existence of shear stress within the tissue. (c,d) Conversion of these strains to stress values shows that the axial stress (σyy) on the uncut side of the tissue decreased with distance away from the notch until 4% grip-to-grip strain. This drop in axial stress corresponded to an interfibrillar shear stress of 32 ± 33 kPa (mean ± s.d.). *p ≤ 0.05. Error bars, s.e.m. Scale bar, 1 mm.
