Preliminary study on the influencing factors of Young’s modulus of viscoelastic model detected by shear wave elasticity

Aim The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of various components, viscosity, ultrasonic frequency, and depth of the region of interest on Young’s modulus of the viscoelastic model. Methods Viscoelastic models, characterized by distinct viscosities and compositions, were fabricated using gelatin as the elastomeric component, fructose as the viscous component, and milk powder as an additive ingredient. Shear wave elastography (SWE) technology was utilized, with the acoustic frequencies set at 7 MHz, 8 MHz, and 9 MHz, respectively. Additionally, the depths of regions of interest (ROI) were varied at 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm to enable a comparison of Young’s modulus values across different viscoelastic body models. Results In order to generate viscoelastic models with varying compositions, gelatin samples with the same concentration were prepared with different concentrations of fructose added. Under consistent frequency and ROI depth conditions, no statistically significant differences were observed in the measured Young’s modulus values among these models ( p > 0.05). However, for models composed solely of gelatin, significant differences in Young’s modulus values were noted at varying sound wave frequencies and ROI depths ( p < 0.05). When samples with different fructose and powdered milk compositions and concentrations were prepared at a constant gelatin concentration, a range of viscoelastic models with diverse properties was created. Analysis of the Young’s modulus values at varying sound wave frequencies and ROI depths revealed a statistically significant difference for all model groups when the frequency was 8 MHz and the ROI depth was 3 cm. Moreover, using linear regression analysis on these models after the addition of powdered milk showed that frequency had a significantly negative impact on the Young’s modulus, with a regression coefficient of −0.488 ( t = −7.341, p < 0.01), while depth demonstrated a significantly positive influence on the shear modulus, with a regression coefficient of 0.480 ( t = 7.158, p < 0.01). Conclusion The self-constructed viscoelastic model demonstrates convenience and adaptability, allowing flexible control over its viscosity and composition. Under varying conditions, the factors determining Young’s modulus differ; elements such as compositional heterogeneity, frequencies, and ROI depth all influence the modulus.