ENGR7701 Advanced Biomechanics

2015

4.5

1 x 120-minute lecture weekly

1 of ENGR2732, ENGR8732

ENGR4701 has been successfully completed

Students undertaking the one year honours programs should check to make sure they have the appropriate background from their undergraduate degree/s.

Viscoelastic theory: derivation of constitutive equations for simple and complex standard linear solid models, quasi-linear viscoelastic theory. Friction, lubrication and wear theory of cartilage, knee and hip joints (articulating surfaces). Structural analysis of musculoskeletal systems: beam theory (symmetric and unsymmetric), composite beam theory, torsion of noncircular sections, contact stress analysis. Fracture fixation devices: mechanics of intramedullary rods, bone plates, external fixators, bone screws. Advanced biomechanics research applications in soft tissue and bone.

This topic introduces a more advanced, theoretical framework of the concepts that were covered in ENGR3123 Biomechanics. Students will understand the theory of viscoelasticity and develop the skills to use first principals to derive the governing constitutive equations to describe various viscoelastic materials. Students will understand the theory of friction and the different lubrication mechanisms for efficient load transmission in cartilage and joints, and how these properties are affected by osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases in the form of wear. Beam theory, as it applies to the musculoskeletal system will be studied to understand the effects of axial, bending, torsion and combined loading on bones and joints. The concepts of bone fracture treatment methods (internal plates/rods, external fixators, screws) will be introduced and the theory of mechanics of materials will be used to study the performance of these methods in long bones. Throughout this topic, reference will be made to the most recent research in the fields of soft tissue and bone biomechanics and specific research papers will be highlighted and critically reviewed.

At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand the theoretical biomechanical principles of joint, soft tissue, cartilage and bone function
2. Understand the theory of viscoelasticity and be able to derive the governing equations that describe many viscoelastic biological materials
3. Understand friction, lubrication and wear theory of cartilage, knee and hip joints
4. Undertake a theoretical structural analysis of musculoskeletal systems using beam theory in both symmetrical and unsymmetrical cases
5. Undertake a theoretical analysis of different types of fracture fixation devices used in long bone fracture repair
6. Be able to apply and extend the theory learned in this topic to facilitate a critical review of current research in soft tissue and bone