The elucidation of the mechanisms underlying articular cartilage lesions poses a formidable challenge in the field of cartilage repair. Despite significant strides in cartilage mechanics research, the region-dependent creep properties of articular cartilage remain elusive. In this study, we employ depth-sensing indentation tests to experimentally determine the creep properties of four distinct regions of articular cartilage, thereby unveiling a region-dependent full map of creep parameters. The measured creep displacement-time response curves indicate that the creep properties of the articular cartilage exhibit a clear regional correlation. Accordingly, the full regional creep map of articular cartilage is experimentally constructed for the first time. The correlation between the microstructures and the creep properties of cartilage in different regions is revealed. A three-parameter model is established to describe the creep velocity-displacement response of cartilage. Raman spectra reveal that the proteoglycan content is positively correlated with creep properties. The Raman shift directly indicates diverse residual stresses in different microregions. The obtained data facilitate a deep understanding of the potential creep dependent damage mechanism of cartilage and the further development of artificial cartilage materials.
Keywords: cartilage mechanics; creep displacement map; indentation; mechanical properties; microstructure−property correlation.