Dependence of Mechanical Behavior of the Murine Tail Disc on Regional Material Properties: A Parametric Finite Element Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (7) ◽  
pp. 1158-1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam H. Hsieh ◽  
Diane R. Wagner ◽  
Louis Y. Cheng ◽  
Jeffrey C. Lotz

In vivo rodent tail models are becoming more widely used for exploring the role of mechanical loading on the initiation and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration. Historically, finite element models (FEMs) have been useful for predicting disc mechanics in humans. However, differences in geometry and tissue properties may limit the predictive utility of these models for rodent discs. Clearly, models that are specific for rodent tail discs and accurately simulate the disc’s transient mechanical behavior would serve as important tools for clarifying disc mechanics in these animal models. An FEM was developed based on the structure, geometry, and scale of the mouse tail disc. Importantly, two sources of time-dependent mechanical behavior were incorporated: viscoelasticity of the matrix, and fluid permeation. In addition, a novel strain-dependent swelling pressure was implemented through the introduction of a dilatational stress in nuclear elements. The model was then validated against data from quasi-static tension-compression and compressive creep experiments performed previously using mouse tail discs. Finally, sensitivity analyses were performed in which material parameters of each disc subregion were individually varied. During disc compression, matrix consolidation was observed to occur preferentially at the periphery of the nucleus pulposus. Sensitivity analyses revealed that disc mechanics was greatly influenced by changes in nucleus pulposus material properties, but rather insensitive to variations in any of the endplate properties. Moreover, three key features of the model—nuclear swelling pressure, lamellar collagen viscoelasticity, and interstitial fluid permeation—were found to be critical for accurate simulation of disc mechanics. In particular, collagen viscoelasticity dominated the transient behavior of the disc during the initial 2200s of creep loading, while fluid permeation governed disc deformation thereafter. The FEM developed in this study exhibited excellent agreement with transient creep behavior of intact mouse tail motion segments. Notably, the model was able to produce spatial variations in nucleus pulposus matrix consolidation that are consistent with previous observations in nuclear cell morphology made in mouse discs using confocal microscopy. Results of this study emphasize the need for including nucleus swelling pressure, collagen viscoelasticity, and fluid permeation when simulating transient changes in matrix and fluid stress/strain. Sensitivity analyses suggest that further characterization of nucleus pulposus material properties should be pursued, due to its significance in steady-state and transient disc mechanical response.

1970 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 17-18
Author(s):  
Raquel Simón-Allué ◽  
Assad Oberai ◽  
Begoña Calvo

In this work we develop a methodology to characterize in vivo the passive mechanical behavior of abdominal muscle, using for that finite element simulations combined with inverse analysis and optimization algorithms. The knowledge of the mechanical response of the muscle is needed to determine the features of the mesh in cases of hernia surgery.


Author(s):  
John R. Owen ◽  
Jennifer S. Wayne

Significant efforts are being devoted to the creation of replacement tissue for repair of defects in articular surfaces. Some success has been realized; yet, the normal zonal characterstics of articular cartilage throughout its thickness and normal material properties have not been reproduced in vitro in scaffolds nor in vivo in repairing defects. The fate of such transplanted scaffolds in vivo may be doomed mechanically from the outset if material properties of sufficient quality are not developed. The superficial tangential zone (STZ) has been shown to play a critical role in supporting axial loads and retaining fluids (Glazer and Putz, 2002, Torzilli, et al, 1983, Torzilli, 1993). Previous models have demonstrated excessive axial deformation of repair cartilage without the STZ (Smith, et al 2001, Wayne, et al, 1991) Additionally, modeling the STZ of normal cartilage as transversely isotropic has yielded better agreement with indentation experimental results than isotropic models (Korhonen, et al, 2002, Mow, et al, 2000, Cohen, et al, 1993). This study uses finite element analysis to model the STZ with a preferred direction parallel to the articulating surface, thereby simulating a “split-line” direction. The in-plane directions are modeled normal to the “split-line” direction and the articulating surface. Normal and repairing defects are modeled with the importance of the STZ emphasized.


2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Noble ◽  
Joshua Choe ◽  
Susheil Uthamaraj ◽  
Milton Deherrera ◽  
Amir Lerman ◽  
...  

Commercially available heart valves have many limitations, such as a lack of remodeling, risk of calcification, and thromboembolic problems. Many state-of-the-art tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHV) rely on recellularization to allow remodeling and transition to mechanical behavior of native tissues. Current in vitro testing is insufficient in characterizing a soon-to-be living valve due to this change in mechanical response; thus, it is imperative to understand the performance of an in situ valve. However, due to the complex in vivo environment, this is difficult to accomplish. Finite element (FE) analysis has become a standard tool for modeling mechanical behavior of heart valves; yet, research to date has mostly focused on commercial valves. The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the mechanical behavior of a TEHV material before and after 6 months of implantation in a rat subdermis model. This model allows the recellularization and remodeling potential of the material to be assessed via a simple and inexpensive means prior to more complex ovine orthotropic studies. Biaxial testing was utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties, and subsequently, constitutive model parameters were fit to the data to allow mechanical performance to be evaluated via FE analysis of a full cardiac cycle. Maximum principal stresses and strains from the leaflets and commissures were then analyzed. The results of this study demonstrate that the explanted tissues had reduced mechanical strength compared to the implants but were similar to the native tissues. For the FE models, this trend was continued with similar mechanical behavior in explant and native tissue groups and less compliant behavior in implant tissues. Histology demonstrated recellularization and remodeling although remodeled collagen had no clear directionality. In conclusion, we observed successful recellularization and remodeling of the tissue giving confidence to our TEHV material; however, the mechanical response indicates the additional remodeling would likely occur in the aortic/pulmonary position.


2018 ◽  
Vol 188 ◽  
pp. 01016
Author(s):  
Androniki S. Tsiamaki ◽  
Nick K. Anifantis

The research for new materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and present good mechanical behavior is of great importance. The interest is highly focused on the utilization of composites reinforced by nanomaterials. To cope with this goal the present work studies the mechanical response of graphene reinforced nanocomposite structures subjected to temperature changes. A computational finite element model has been developed that accounts for both the reinforcement and the matrix material phases. The model developed is based on both the continuum theory and the molecular mechanics theory, for the simulation of the three different material phases of the composite, respectively, i.e. the matrix, the intermediate transition phase and the reinforcement. Considering this model, the mechanical response of an appropriate representative volume element of the nanocomposite is simulated under various temperature changes. The study involves different types of reinforcement composed from either monolayer or multilayer graphene sheets. Apart from the investigation of the behavior of a nanocomposite with each particular type of the reinforcement, comparisons are also presented between them in order to reveal optimized material combinations. The principal parameters taken into consideration, which contribute also to the mechanical behavior of the nanocomposite, are its size, the sheet multiplicity as well as the volume fraction.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 522-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Di Puccio ◽  
Giuseppe Gallone ◽  
Andrea Baù ◽  
Emanuele M. Calabrò ◽  
Simona Mainardi ◽  
...  

Introduction In a previous paper, the authors investigated the mechanical behavior of several commercial polyurethane peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) in their ‘brand new’ condition. The present study represents a second step of the research activity and aims to investigate possible modifications of the PICC mechanical response, induced by long-term conservation in in vivo-like conditions, particularly when used to introduce oncologic drugs. Methods Eight 5 Fr single-lumen catheters from as many different vendors, were examined. Several specimens were cut from each of them and kept in a bath at 37°C for 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. Two fluids were used to simulate in vivo-like conditions, i.e. ethanol and Ringer-lactate solutions, the first being chosen in order to reproduce a typical chemical environment of oncologic drugs. The test plan included swelling analyses, uniaxial tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Results and conclusions All tested samples were chemically and mechanically stable in the studied conditions, as no significant weight variation was observed even after six months of immersion in ethanol solution. Uniaxial tensile tests confirmed such a response. For each PICC, very similar curves were obtained from samples tested after different immersion durations in the two fluid solutions, particularly for strains lower than 10%.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (73) ◽  
pp. 1787-1796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joris Soons ◽  
Anthony Herrel ◽  
Annelies Genbrugge ◽  
Dominique Adriaens ◽  
Peter Aerts ◽  
...  

Bird beaks are layered structures, which contain a bony core and an outer keratin layer. The elastic moduli of this bone and keratin were obtained in a previous study. However, the mechanical role and interaction of both materials in stress dissipation during seed crushing remain unknown. In this paper, a multi-layered finite-element (FE) model of the Java finch's upper beak ( Padda oryzivora ) is established. Validation measurements are conducted using in vivo bite forces and by comparing the displacements with those obtained by digital speckle pattern interferometry. Next, the Young modulus of bone and keratin in this FE model was optimized in order to obtain the smallest peak von Mises stress in the upper beak. To do so, we created a surrogate model, which also allows us to study the impact of changing material properties of both tissues on the peak stresses. The theoretically best values for both moduli in the Java finch are retrieved and correspond well with previous experimentally obtained values, suggesting that material properties are tuned to the mechanical demands imposed during seed crushing.


Author(s):  
Jiang Yao ◽  
Art D. Salo ◽  
Monica Barbu-McInnis ◽  
Amy L. Lerner

A finite element model of the knee joint could be helpful in providing insight on mechanisms of injury, effects of treatment, and the role of mechanical factors in degenerative conditions. However, preparation of such a model involves many geometric simplifications and input of material properties, some of which are poorly understood. Therefore, a method to compare model predictions to actual behaviors under controlled conditions could provide confidence in the model before exploration of other loading scenarios. Our laboratory has developed a method to apply axial loads to the in vivo human knee during magnetic resonance imaging, resembling weightbearing conditions. Image processing algorithms may then be used to assess the three-dimensional kinematics of the tibia and femur during loading. A three-dimensional model of the tibio-menisco-femoral contact has been generated and the image-based kinematic boundary conditions were applied to investigate the distribution of stresses and strains in the articular cartilage and menisci throughout the loading period. In this study, our goal is to investigate the contact patterns during long term loading of up to twenty minutes in the healthy knee. Specifically, we assess the use of both elastic and poroelastic material properties in the cartilage, and compare model predictions to known loading conditions and images of tissue deformations.


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