The Λ-Fractional Hydrocephalus Model

Infant hydrocephalus is a clinically abnormal clinical state with an accumulation of fluid in cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. Hence, pressure is increased inside the skull. The ventricles widen due to the excess fluid applying pressure upon the (parenchyma) brain tissues. The infant brain tissue is described by a biomechanics model as a hyperelastic, Λ-fractional viscoelastic material, trying to describe the various conditions developing hydrocephalus. Λ-fractional continuum mechanics is applied with time variables due to viscosity and space fractional variables due to porosity. The simultaneous influence of both the viscosity and porosity of the membrane material (parenchyma) increases the cerebrospinal fluid’s pressure, causing the fluid’s accumulation in the brain.