Parameterization through fractional calculus of the stress-strain relation in lungs

The theory from electrical ladder networks is often used as a mathematical basis to introduce the analogy to mechanical parametric models. In turn, the mechanical analogy serves as a theoretical basis for analyzing viscoelastic properties in the lung tissue. A relation between the lumped fractional order model parameters and viscoelasticity bridges the two worlds of mathematical and physiological concepts. This paper provides the necessary framework to support the added value of fractional order models for respiratory impedance and their ability in characterizing viscoelasticity in the lungs.