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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2023) | Viewed by 20590

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Dr. Marco Parente

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Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biomechanics; finite elements; constitutive modelling; soft tissues; Abaqus

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the field of finite elements and biomechanics have seen several developments in different subjects, such as the development of new constitutive models, able to capture and characterize the most complex behaviors, new finite element technologies, with improved behavior, and also the development of new modeling techniques such as multiscale modeling applied to biomechanics. New trends are also emerging with the coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and machine learning/deep learning algorithms, which allow us to obtain new insights from existing data. New materials are also being developed, with the aid of FEM, from scaffolds to functionally graded materials to be used in medical interventions.

The topic of finite elements and biomechanics is a tremendous field of research, with a potential to impact the life quality of many people. The aim of this Special Issue is to attract world-leading researchers in these areas of research in an effort to highlight the latest exciting developments.

Dr. Marco Parente
Guest Editor

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Keywords

finite elements
soft/hard tissues biomechanics
constitutive modeling
multiscale modeling
tissue remodeling
damage mechanics
machine learning
mechanical characterization

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 10681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Finite Element Analysis of a Novel Bent Bone Plate

by Joyceline Kurniawan, Shen-Yung Lin and Wen-Teng Wang

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 10900; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122110900 - 27 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1781

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to develop a new bone plate implant design with middle bending. The bone plate design is carried out using CAD software and then tested using FEA, where output data are combined and analyzed. The simulation outcome from COMSOL Multiphysics shows that all bone plates experienced various degrees of deformation. The best bone plate would be the newly developed plate with a 10° bending angle in the middle, in comparison with the traditional flat rectangular plate, newly flat developed plate, and other bent plate with various bending angles from material or different simulation modelling. The newly developed plate bent with a 10° bending angle in the middle has an average total displacement of 4.61 nm, average von Mises stress of 0.271 MPa, and average first principal strain of 1.77 × 10⁻⁶, making it the best choice for clinical application compared with the other bone plates analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in Finite Elements and Biomechanics)

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11 pages, 3223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical and Experimental Investigations of Humeral Greater Tuberosity Fractures with Plate Fixation under Different Shoulder Rehabilitation Activities

by Balraj Muthusamy, Ching-Kong Chao, Ching-Chi Hsu and Meng-Hua Lin

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6802; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136802 - 5 Jul 2022

Viewed by 2309

Abstract

The incidence of humerus greater tuberosity (GT) fractures is about 20% in patients with proximal humerus fractures. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical performances of the humerus GT fracture stabilized by a locking plate with rotator cuff function for shoulder rehabilitation activities. A three-dimensional finite element model of the GT-fracture-treated humerus with a single traction force condition was analyzed for abduction, flexion, and horizontal flexion activities and validated by the biomechanical tests. The results showed that the stiffness calculated by the numerical models was closely related to that obtained by the mechanical tests with a correlation coefficient of 0.88. Under realistic rotator cuff muscle loading, the shoulder joint had a larger displacement at the fracture site (1.163 mm), as well as higher bone stress (60.6 MPa), higher plate stress (29.1 MPa), and higher mean screw stress (37.3 MPa) in horizontal flexion rehabilitation activity when compared to that abduction and flexion activities. The horizontal flexion may not be suggested in the early stage of shoulder joint rehabilitation activities. Numerical simulation techniques and experimental designs mimicked clinical treatment plans. These methodologies could be used to evaluate new implant designs and fixation strategies for the shoulder joint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in Finite Elements and Biomechanics)

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16 pages, 2163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Analysis for Pre-Clinical Testing of Custom-Made Knee Implants for Complex Reconstruction Surgery

by Georg Hettich, Josef-Benedikt Weiß, Benjamin Wünsch and Thomas M. Grupp

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4787; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094787 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2789

Abstract

In severe cases of total knee arthroplasty, where off-the-shelf implants are not suitable or available anymore (i.e., in cases with extended bone defects or periprosthetic fractures), custom-made knee implants represent one of the few remaining treatment options. Design verification and validation of such custom-made implants is very challenging. The aim of this study is to support surgeons and engineers in their decision on whether a developed design is suitable for the specific case. A novel method for the pre-clinical testing of custom-made knee implants is suggested, which relies on the biomechanical test and finite element analysis (FEA) of a comparable reference implant. The method comprises six steps: (1) identification of the main potential failure mechanism and its corresponding FEA quantity of interest, (2) reproduction of the biomechanical test of the reference implant via FEA, (3) identification of the maximum value of the corresponding FEA quantity of interest at the required load level, (4) definition of this value as the acceptance criterion for the FEA of the custom-made implant, (5) reproduction of the biomechanical test with the custom-made implant via FEA, (6) conclusion, whether the acceptance criterion is fulfilled or not. Two exemplary cases of custom-made knee implants were evaluated with this method. The FEA acceptance criterion derived from the reference implants was fulfilled in both custom-made implants. Subsequent biomechanical tests verified the FEA results. The suggested method allows a quantitative evaluation of the biomechanical properties of a custom-made knee implant without performing a biomechanical test with it. This represents an important contribution in the pre-clinical testing of custom-made implants in order to achieve a sustainable treatment of complex revision total knee arthroplasty patients in a timely manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in Finite Elements and Biomechanics)

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20 pages, 3119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dimensional Variables on the Behavior of Trees for Biomechanical Studies

by Monica Ruy, Raquel Gonçalves and William Vicente

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3815; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12083815 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1574

Abstract

The dimensional variables of trees play an important role in biomechanical studies that seek to estimate the risk of falls, since they influence their biomechanical behavior in relation to the forces to which they are subjected, and therefore, their safety factor. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of dimensional variables of trees on their mechanical behavior. A finite-element model was used to perform linear static analysis. The wood from the tree was considered clean, and the architectural model was based on dimensional variables of species commonly used in urban afforestation in São Paulo, Brazil. Different slenderness, tapering, height, and load level were used to analyze the tree mechanical behavior. The numerical-simulation model facilitates the evaluation of the influence of dimensional parameters of trees on deflections and stresses. The behavior of the deflections varies according to height, diameter, and loading level. Since the model considers the geometric variations of the section, the stresses show smooth variations along the trunk. The maximum module values of positive and negative stresses are not equal, and can undergo sudden variations in position along the trunk when local maximum stresses become global maximums. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in Finite Elements and Biomechanics)

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11 pages, 11391 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Finite Element Analysis of the Epiretinal Membrane Contraction

by Ana Rita Reis, João P. S. Ferreira, Ana Guerra, António Fernandes, Sónia Torres-Costa, Manuel Falcão and Marco P. L. Parente

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2623; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052623 - 3 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1453

Abstract

The epiretinal membrane is a thin sheet of fibrous tissue that can form over the macular area of the retina, and may result in the loss of visual acuity or metamorphopsia, due to superficial retinal folds. A vitrectomy surgery, the current treatment procedure for this pathology, is only performed after symptoms are present. However, sometimes the patients do not present any vision improvements after the surgery. The use of computational methods for a patient-specific biomechanical analysis can contribute to better understanding the mechanisms behind the success or failure of a vitrectomy. Using medical data from two patients who underwent a vitrectomy, one with substantial improvements and another with no improvements, an analysis of the retinal displacement due to the contraction of the epiretinal membrane was performed. Our results suggest a causal effect between the magnitude of the retinal displacements caused by the epiretinal membrane contraction and the outcome of the vitrectomy procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in Finite Elements and Biomechanics)

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11 pages, 2569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Stress Distribution in a Tooth Restored with Full Coverage Machined Polymer Crown

by Azeem Ul Yaqin Syed, Dinesh Rokaya, Shirin Shahrbaf and Nicolas Martin

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031220 - 29 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3268

Abstract

The effect of a restored machined hybrid dental ceramic crown–tooth complex is not well understood. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the stress state of the machined hybrid dental ceramic crown using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Human premolars were prepared to receive full coverage crowns and restored with machined hybrid dental ceramic crowns using the resin cement. Then, the teeth were digitized using micro-computed tomography and the teeth were scanned with an optical intraoral scanner using an intraoral scanner. Three-dimensional digital models were generated using an interactive image processing software for the restored tooth complex. The generated models were imported into a finite element analysis software with all degrees of freedom concentrated on the outer surface of the root of the crown–tooth complex. To simulate average occlusal load subjected on a premolar a total load of 300 N was applied, 150 N at a buccal incline of the palatal cusp, and palatal incline of the buccal cusp. The von Mises stresses were calculated for the crown–tooth complex under simulated load application was determined. Three-dimensional finite element analysis showed that the stress distribution was more in the dentine and least in the cement. For the cement layer, the stresses were more concentrated on the buccal cusp tip. In dentine, stress was more on the cusp tips and coronal 1/3 of the root surface. The conventional crown preparation is a suitable option for machined polymer crowns with less stress distribution within the crown–tooth complex and can be a good aesthetic replacement in the posterior region. Enamic crowns are a good viable option in the posterior region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in Finite Elements and Biomechanics)

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Review

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16 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bone: An Outstanding Composite Material

by Natacha Rosa, Marcelo F. S. F. Moura, Susana Olhero, Ricardo Simoes, Fernão D. Magalhães, António Torres Marques, João P. S. Ferreira, Ana Rita Reis, Mariana Carvalho and Marco Parente

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073381 - 26 Mar 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5394

Abstract

Bone is an outstanding, well-designed composite. It is constituted by a multi-level structure wherein its properties and behavior are dependent on its composition and structural organization at different length scales. The combination of unique mechanical properties with adaptive and self-healing abilities makes bone an innovative model for the future design of synthetic biomimetic composites with improved performance in bone repair and regeneration. However, the relation between structure and properties in bone is very complex. In this review article, we intend to describe the hierarchical organization of bone on progressively greater scales and present the basic concepts that are fundamental to understanding the arrangement-based mechanical properties at each length scale and their influence on bone’s overall structural behavior. The need for a better understanding of bone’s intricate composite structure is also highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in Finite Elements and Biomechanics)

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