Combining Laser Microsurgery and Finite Element Modeling to Assess Cell-Level Epithelial Mechanics

Laser microsurgery and finite element modeling are used to determine the cell-level mechanics of the amnioserosa—a morphogenetically crucial epithelium on the dorsal surface of fruit fly embryos (Drosophila melanogaster). In the experiments, a tightly focused laser ablates a subcellular hole (1 μm in diameter) that passes clean through the epithelium. The surrounding cells recoil from the wound site with a large range of initial recoil velocities. These depend on the embryo's developmental stage and the subcellular wound site. The initial recoil (up to 0.1 s) is well reproduced by a base finite element model, which assumes a uniform effective viscosity inside the cells, a constant tension along each cell-cell boundary, and a large, potentially anisotropic, far-field stress—one that far exceeds the stress equivalent of the cell-edge tensions. After 0.1 s, the experimental recoils slow dramatically. This observation can be reproduced by adding viscoelastic rods along cell edges or as a fine prestressed mesh parallel to the apical and basal membranes of the cell. The mesh also reproduces a number of double-wounding experiments in which successive holes are drilled in a single cell.     

Finite Element Modeling Predictions of Region-specific Cell-matrix Mechanics in the Meniscus

The knee meniscus exhibits significant spatial variations in biochemical composition and cell morphology that reflect distinct phenotypes of cells located in the radial inner and outer regions. Associated with these cell phenotypes is a spatially heterogeneous microstructure and mechanical environment with the innermost regions experiencing higher fluid pressures and lower tensile strains than the outer regions. It is presently unknown, however, how meniscus tissue mechanics correlate with the local micromechanical environment of cells. In this study, theoretical models were developed to study mechanics of inner and outer meniscus cells with varying geometries. The results for an applied biaxial strain predict significant regional differences in the cellular mechanical environment with evidence of tensile strains along the collagen fiber direction of ~0.07 for the rounded inner cells, as compared to levels of 0.02–0.04 for the elongated outer meniscus cells. The results demonstrate an important mechanical role of extracellular matrix anisotropy and cell morphology in regulating the region-specific micromechanics of meniscus cells, that may further play a role in modulating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli.     

Static and Dynamic Mechanics Analysis on Artificial Hip Joints with Different Interface Designs by the Finite Element Method

Four different structural models of artificial joints were developed and the finite element method （FEM） was employed to investigate their mechanical characteristics under static and dynamic conditions. The materials used in the FEM calculation were ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene （UHMWPE）, 316L stainless steel, CoCrMo alloy and Ti6A14V alloy. The stress distribution, strain, and elastic deformation under static and dynamic conditions were obtained. Analysis and comparison of the ~alculation results of different models were conducted. It is shown that with the same parameters the model of a metallic femur head covered with an artificial cartilage layer is more similar to the structure of the natural human joint and its mechanical characteristics are the best of the four models.     

Adaptive Finite Element Analysis of the Anisotropic Biphasic Theory of Tissue-Equivalent Mechanics

The nonlinear partial differential equations of the anisotropic biphasic theory of tissue-equivalent mechanics are solved with axial symmetry by an adaptive finite element system. The adaptive procedure operates within a method-of-lines framework using finite elements in space and backward difference software in time. Spatial meshes are automatically refined, coarsened, and relocated in response to error indications and material deformation. Problems with arbitrarily complex two-dimensional regions may be addressed. With meshes graded in high-error regions, the adaptive solutions have fewer degrees of freedom than solutions with comparable accuracy obtained on fixed quasi-uniform meshes. The adaptive software is used to address problems involving an isometric cell traction assay, where a cylindrical tissue equivalent is adhered at its end to fixed circular platens; a prototypical bioartificial artery; and a novel configuration that is intended as an initial step in a study to determine bioartificial arteries having optimal collagen and cell concentrations.     

Finite Element Analysis of the Contact Mechanics of Ceramic-on-Ceramic Hip Resurfacing Prostheses

<正> Ceramics are good alternative to metal as bearing couple materials because of their better wear resistance. A Finite Element(FE) study was performed to investigate the contact mechanics and stress distribution of Ceramic-on-Ceramic (COC) hip resurfacingprostheses. It was focused in particular on a parametric study to examine the effects of radial clearance, loading,alumina coating on the implants, bone quality, and fixation of cup-bone interface. It was found that a reduction in the radialclearance had the most significant effect on the predicted contact pressure distribution among all of the parameters considered inthis study. It was determined that there was a significant influence of non-metallic materials, such as the bone underneath thebearing components, on the predicted contact mechanics. Stress shielding within the bone tissue was found to be a major concernwhen regarding the use of ceramic as an alternative to metallic resurfacing prostheses. Therefore, using alumina implantswith a metal backing was found to be the best design for ceramic resurfacing prostheses in this study. The loading, bone quality,and acetabular cup fixation conditions were found to have only minor effects on the predicted contact pressure distribution alongthe bearing surfaces.     

Adaptive Finite Element Analysis of the Anisotropic Biphasic Theory of Tissue-Equivalent Mechanics

Abstract

The nonlinear partial differential equations of the anisotropic biphasic theory of tissue-equivalent mechanics are solved with axial symmetry by an adaptive finite element system. The adaptive procedure operates within a method-of-lines framework using finite elements in space and backward difference software in time. Spatial meshes are automatically refined, coarsened, and relocated in response to error indications and material deformation. Problems with arbitrarily complex two-dimensional regions may be addressed. With meshes graded in high-error regions, the adaptive solutions have fewer degrees of freedom than solutions with comparable accuracy obtained on fixed quasi-uniform meshes. The adaptive software is used to address problems involving an isometric cell traction assay, where a cylindrical tissue equivalent is adhered at its end to fixed circular platens; a prototypical bioartificial artery; and a novel configuration that is intended as an initial step in a study to determine bioartificial arteries having optimal collagen and cell concentrations.     

LISS钢板治疗股骨远端骨折有限元建模及分析

目的建立LISS-DF治疗股骨远端骨折近端螺钉不同单双皮质固定的三维有限元模型,并进行初步生物力学分析。方法提取CT图片相关数据,利用自行编写程序生成命令流文件,建立完整股骨以及16个不同LISS-DF治疗股骨远端AO分型33-A3型骨折的实体模型（钢板和股骨不接触、螺钉分别固定于钢板和股骨）,进行网格划分。分析不同载荷作用下完整股骨和LISS钢板近端螺钉全双皮质固定治疗骨折的模型受力状况。结果建立了相关的有限元模型。不同载荷作用下,LISS钢板近端螺钉全双皮质固定模型和完整股骨的应力集中均位于股骨颈内侧和股骨干外侧中下1/3处。相同载荷作用下,LISS钢板近端螺钉全双皮质固定模型的股骨颈部最大等效应力值略减小,股骨干最大等效应力值明显减小。结论研究建立的三维有限元模型,为应用LISS治疗股骨骨折的生物力学分析提供了良好的实验平台和基础。从生物力学角度而言,LISS-DF近端螺钉全双皮质固定为治疗股骨远端复杂骨折的有效方法。     

Finite Element Method (FEM) Modeling of Freeze-drying: Monitoring Pharmaceutical Product Robustness During Lyophilization

Lyophilization is an approach commonly undertaken to formulate drugs that are unstable to be commercialized as ready to use (RTU) solutions. One of the important aspects of commercializing a lyophilized product is to transfer the process parameters that are developed in lab scale lyophilizer to commercial scale without a loss in product quality. This process is often accomplished by costly engineering runs or through an iterative process at the commercial scale. Here, we are highlighting a combination of computational and experimental approach to predict commercial process parameters for the primary drying phase of lyophilization. Heat and mass transfer coefficients are determined experimentally either by manometric temperature measurement (MTM) or sublimation tests and used as inputs for the finite element model (FEM)-based software called PASSAGE, which computes various primary drying parameters such as primary drying time and product temperature. The heat and mass transfer coefficients will vary at different lyophilization scales; hence, we present an approach to use appropriate factors while scaling-up from lab scale to commercial scale. As a result, one can predict commercial scale primary drying time based on these parameters. Additionally, the model-based approach presented in this study provides a process to monitor pharmaceutical product robustness and accidental process deviations during Lyophilization to support commercial supply chain continuity. The approach presented here provides a robust lyophilization scale-up strategy; and because of the simple and minimalistic approach, it will also be less capital intensive path with minimal use of expensive drug substance/active material.     

A Comparative Analysis of Different Treatments for Distal Femur Fractures using the Finite Element Method

The main objective of this work is the evaluation, by means of the finite element method (FEM) of the mechanical stability and long-term microstructural modifications in bone induced to three different kinds of fractures of the distal femur by three types of implants: the Condyle Plate, the less invasive stabilization system plate (LISS) and the distal femur nail (DFN). The displacement and the stress distributions both in bone and implants and the internal bone remodelling process after fracture and fixation are obtained and analysed by computational simulation. The main conclusions of this work are that distal femoral fractures can be treated correctly with the Condyle Plate, the LISS plate and the DFN. The stresses both in LISS and DFN implant are high especially around the screws. When respect to remodelling, the LISS produces an important resorption in the fractured region, while the other two implants do not strongly modify bone tissue microstructure.     

一类神经传导方程的变网格有限元方法及数值分析

研究在神经传播过程中的一类非线性拟双曲方程的初边值问题,对二维情形应用常规变换,提出了两种变网格有限元格式,最后通过细致的分析和估计得到了最佳阶的H1和L2 模误差估计结果,并且第二种格式使时间精度提高一阶,最后对第一种格式作了数值实验,指明方法是高效可行的．     

A Voxel-based Formulation for Contact Finite Element Analysis

To date, voxel-based finite element models have not been feasible for contact problems, owing to the inherent stair-step boundary discontinuities. New preprocessing techniques are reported herein to mesh these boundaries smoothly, for purposes of contact stress analysis. Further, new techniques are reported to concentrate the mesh resolution automatically near the articular surface, thus reducing the problem size to levels compatible with executing nonlinear problems on contemporary engineering workstations. Close approximations to Hertzian analytical solutions were obtained for spherical and cylindrical geometries meshed in this manner, and an illustrative anatomical contact problem of the human hip joint is presented.     

带有迁移的疟疾病与疟蚊数学模型的交替方向有限元法及其数值分析

对带有扩散问题的Ross-Macdonald模型提出两种交替方向有限元格式,并得到最优的L^2和H^1模估计。     

电子化温针灸温度场的有限元分析

本文设计了以微型加热装置为核心并辅以电热软膜的电子化温针灸.为了比较电子化温针灸与传统温针灸的温热性质,通过ANSYS软件对传统温针灸及电子化温针灸的温度场进行建模仿真.分析比较得出:在一定的条件下电子化温针灸的温度场与传统温针灸的温度场基本一致.这为电子化温针灸的进一步改进提供了理论依据.     

正常乳腺温度分布的有限元分析

基于正常乳腺的解剖学结构和生理学特征,建立了一个乳腺组织多维热传递模型。该模型考虑了代谢产热、血液灌注和动静脉血管与组织间热的相互作用,采用有限元分析方法求解热传导方程,数值模拟正常乳腺的稳态温度分布,着重研究血液灌注和代谢产热对正常乳腺组织温度分布的影响。研究结果可为乳腺疾病的热图像分析提供重要参考。     

A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model for Biomechanical Analysis of the Hip

The objective of this study was to construct a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the hip. The images of the hip were obtained from Chinese visible human dataset. The hip model includes acetabular bone, cartilage, labrum, and bone. The cartilage of femoral head was constructed using the AutoCAD and Solidworks software. The hip model was imported into ABAQUS analysis system. The contact surface of the hip joint was meshed. To verify the model, the single leg peak force was loaded, and contact area of the cartilage and labrum of the hip and pressure distribution in these structures were observed. The constructed 3D hip model reflected the real hip anatomy. Further, this model reflected biomechanical behavior similar to previous studies. In conclusion, this 3D finite element hip model avoids the disadvantages of other construction methods, such as imprecision of cartilage construction and the absence of labrum. Further, it provides basic data critical for accurately modeling normal and abnormal loads, and the effects of abnormal loads on the hip.     

A One-dimensional Finite Element Method for Simulation-based Medical Planning for Cardiovascular Disease

We have previously described a new approach to planning treatments for cardiovascular disease, Simulation-Based Medical Planning, whereby a physician utilizes computational tools to construct and evaluate a combined anatomic/physiologic model to predict the outcome of alternative treatment plans for an individual patient. Current systems for Simulation-Based Medical Planning utilize finite element methods to solve the time-dependent, three-dimensional equations governing blood flow and provide detailed data on blood flow distribution, pressure gradients and locations of flow recirculation, low wall shear stress and high particle residence. However, these methods are computationally expensive and often require hours of time on parallel computers. This level of computation is necessary for obtaining detailed information about blood flow, but likely is unnecessary for obtaining information about mean flow rates and pressure losses. We describe, herein, a space-time finite element method for solving the one-dimensional equations of blood flow. This method is applied to compute flow rate and pressure in a single segment model, a bifurcation, an idealized model of the abdominal aorta, in three alternate treatment plans for a case of aorto-iliac occlusive disease and in a vascular bypass graft. All of these solutions were obtained in less than 5 min of computation time on a personal computer.     

微种植体支抗内收及压低上前牙的有限元研究

目的:探讨在利用微种植体支抗整体内收前牙过程中增加前牙区不同位置压低力对上颌前后牙的生物力学效应的影响。方法:采用螺旋CT扫描获取图像并结合MIMICS等软件进行三维重建,建立拔除上颌第一前磨牙整体内收前牙的三维有限元模型,分析利用第二前磨牙与第一磨牙间微种植体整体内收前牙过程中,增加前牙区不同位置压低力后前后牙的生物力学效应。结果:增加前牙区压低力后,前牙舌向倾斜移动明显减小,不同位置的垂直向力对前牙的影响不同,第一磨牙在整体内收过程中表现为远中倾斜移动。结论:1增加前牙区压低力能够实现对前牙转矩的有效控制;2增加前牙区的压低力使前牙更趋向于整体移动;3在微种植体支抗内收前牙过程实现了较好的垂直向控制。     

A Finite Element Analysis Methodology for Representing the Articular Cartilage Functional Structure

Recognising that the unique biomechanical properties of articular cartilage are a consequence of its structure, this paper describes a finite element methodology which explicitly represents this structure using a modified overlay element model. The validity of this novel concept was then tested by using it to predict the axial curling forces generated by cartilage matrices subjected to saline solutions of known molality and concentration in a novel experimental protocol. Our results show that the finite element modelling methodology accurately represents the intrinsic biomechanical state of the cartilage matrix and can be used to predict its transient load-carriage behaviour. We conclude that this ability to represent the intrinsic swollen condition of a given cartilage matrix offers a viable avenue for numerical analysis of degenerate articular cartilage and also those matrices affected by disease.