Relation between zona pellucida shear stress and different sperm distribution in the context of the contact stress theory

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research into possible scenarios of sperm penetration through the zona pellucida (ZP) due to deformation work caused by the deformation of the ZP in the radial direction and, additionally, in the tangential plane by parts of the transmitted kinetic energy of the sperm impact on the ZP. The results of the numerical experiment were analyzed, and a number of conclusions were drawn based on the hypothesis of the highest normal stress or the hypothesis of the highest shear stress, in which ZP damage or crack progression in the ZP occurs, allowing spermatozoa to penetrate through the ZP to the oocyte.