Synchronisation Behaviour of Viscoelastically Coupled Self-Sustained Oscillators as Models for Oscillations of Premature Cardiomyocytes
von Sebastian Stein
Datum der mündl. Prüfung:2017-10-16
Erschienen:2017-11-22
Betreuer:Prof. Dr. Ulrich Parlitz
Gutachter:Prof. Dr. Reiner Kree
Gutachter:Prof. Dr. Ulrich Parlitz
Dateien
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Description:Dissertation
Zusammenfassung
Englisch
This thesis analyses how the synchronisation behaviour of self-sustained oscillators is influenced by the viscoelastic properties of their coupling. This question is motivated by the early development stage of artificial heart tissue in which the synchronisation of beating premature cardiomyocytes is aided by the viscoelastic polymer gel surrounding them. To tackle this task, a mathematical model is developed which comprises self-sustained oscillators and a viscoelastic component providing their coupling. Techniques and concepts from nonlinear dynamics are used to study the stability of the synchronous states featured by that model. Furthermore, first experimental insights are provided and analysed which characterise the model system of the premature state of the engineered heart muscle.
Keywords: viscoelastic coupling; Maxwell model; synchronisation; Van der Pol oscillator; premature cardiomyocytes