A method is disclosed of using external polymeric analytical techniques to
predict in-vivo polymeric performance, more particularly, viscoelastic
property characterization for performance modeling of biomedical devices
that incorporate a polymeric component and are load-bearing during
service. Time-Temperature Superposition can be used to accelerate
external testing of pertinent properties. Boltzmann's superposition
provides a mathematical methodology for determining the time-dependent
strain that develops in response to an imposed stress history. The
modeling of the present invention provides an opportunity to describe and
predict behavior of the device during in-vivo service, as well as it
providing a basis for evaluating alternate "candidate" polymers for use
in the construction of the device.