Investigation of Vibration Characteristics of the Ligamentous Lumbar Spine Using the Finite Element Approach

1994 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay K. Goel ◽  
Hosang Park ◽  
Weizeng Kong
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Resonant Frequency ◽  
Cyclic Load ◽  
Static Load ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Flexion Extension

A nonlinear, three-dimensional finite element model of the ligamentous L4-SI segment was developed to analyze the dynamic response of the spine in the absence of damping. The effects of the upper body mass were simulated by including a mass of 40 kg on the L4 vertebral body. The modal analyses of the model indicated a resonant frequency of 17.5 Hz in axial mode and 3.8 Hz in flexion-extension mode. Accordingly, the predicted responses for the cyclic load of −400 ± 40 N applied at four different frequencies (5, 11, 16.5, and 25 Hz) were compared with the corresponding results for axial compressive static loads (−360, and −440 N). As compared to the static load cases, the predicted responses were higher for the cyclic loading. For example, the effect of cyclic load at 11 Hz was to produce significant changes (9.7 – 19.0 percent) in stresses, loads transmitted through the facets, intradiscal pressure (IDP), disk bulge, as compared to the static load predictions. The responses were found to be frequency dependent as well; supporting the in vivo observations of other investigators that the human spine has a resonant frequency. For example, the 11 Hz model (DYN11) compared to the DYN5 model showed an increase in majority of the predicted parameters. The parameters showed an increase with frequency until 17.5 Hz (resonant frequency of the model); thereafter a decrease at 25 Hz. A chronic change in these parameters, especially at the resonant frequency, beyond the “base” values may trigger the bone remodeling process leading to spinal degeneration/disorders associated with chronic vibration exposure. Future directions for extending the present model as a complement to the experimental investigations are also discussed.

A Finite Element Model of the Human Knee Joint for the Study of Tibio-Femoral Contact

2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tammy L. Haut Donahue ◽  
M. L. Hull ◽  
Mark M. Rashid ◽  
Christopher R. Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Maximum Pressure ◽  
Contact Behavior ◽  
Element Size ◽  
Solid Models ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Three Dimensional Coordinate

As a step towards developing a finite element model of the knee that can be used to study how the variables associated with a meniscal replacement affect tibio-femoral contact, the goals of this study were 1) to develop a geometrically accurate three-dimensional solid model of the knee joint with special attention given to the menisci and articular cartilage, 2) to determine to what extent bony deformations affect contact behavior, and 3) to determine whether constraining rotations other than flexion/extension affects the contact behavior of the joint during compressive loading. The model included both the cortical and trabecular bone of the femur and tibia, articular cartilage of the femoral condyles and tibial plateau, both the medial and lateral menisci with their horn attachments, the transverse ligament, the anterior cruciate ligament, and the medial collateral ligament. The solid models for the menisci and articular cartilage were created from surface scans provided by a noncontacting, laser-based, three-dimensional coordinate digitizing system with an root mean squared error (RMSE) of less than 8 microns. Solid models of both the tibia and femur were created from CT images, except for the most proximal surface of the tibia and most distal surface of the femur which were created with the three-dimensional coordinate digitizing system. The constitutive relation of the menisci treated the tissue as transversely isotropic and linearly elastic. Under the application of an 800 N compressive load at 0 degrees of flexion, six contact variables in each compartment (i.e., medial and lateral) were computed including maximum pressure, mean pressure, contact area, total contact force, and coordinates of the center of pressure. Convergence of the finite element solution was studied using three mesh sizes ranging from an average element size of 5 mm by 5 mm to 1 mm by 1 mm. The solution was considered converged for an average element size of 2 mm by 2 mm. Using this mesh size, finite element solutions for rigid versus deformable bones indicated that none of the contact variables changed by more than 2% when the femur and tibia were treated as rigid. However, differences in contact variables as large as 19% occurred when rotations other than flexion/extension were constrained. The largest difference was in the maximum pressure. Among the principal conclusions of the study are that accurate finite element solutions of tibio-femoral contact behavior can be obtained by treating the bones as rigid. However, unrealistic constraints on rotations other than flexion/extension can result in relatively large errors in contact variables.

A Biomechanical Model of Lumbar Spine

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subramanya Uppala ◽  
Robert X. Gao ◽  
Scott Cowan ◽  
K. Francis Lee
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Cortical Shell ◽  
Three Dimensional Finite Element

Abstract The strength and stability of the lumbar spine are determined not only by the bone and muscles, but also by the visco-elastic structures and the interplay between the different components of the spine, such as ligaments, capsules, annulus fibrosis, and articular cartilage. In this paper we present a non-linear three-dimensional Finite Element model of the lumbar spine. Specifically, a three-dimensional FE model of the L4-5 one-motion segment/2 vertebrae was developed. The cortical shell and the cancellous bone of the vertebral body were modeled as 3D isoparametric eight-nodal elements. Finite element models of spinal injuries with fixation devices are also developed. The deformations across the different sections of the spine are observed under the application of axial compression, flexion/extension, and lateral bending. The developed FE models provided input to both the fixture design and experimental studies.

A Three-Dimensional Dynamic Finite Element Model of the Prosthetic Knee Joint: Simulation of Joint Laxity and Kinematics

2005 ◽  
Vol 219 (6) ◽  
pp. 415-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Barink ◽  
A van Kampen ◽  
M de Waal Malefijt ◽  
N Verdonschot
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Mathematical Formulation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Joint Kinematics ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Dynamic Finite Element ◽  
Flexion Extension

For testing purposes of prostheses at a preclinical stage, it is very valuable to have a generic modelling tool, which can be used to optimize implant features and to avoid poor designs being launched on to the market. The modelling tool should be fast, efficient, and multipurpose in nature; a finite element model is well suited to the purpose. The question posed in this study was whether it was possible to develop a mathematically fast and stable dynamic finite element model of a knee joint after total knee arthroplasty that would predict data comparable with published data in terms of (a) laxities and ligament behaviour, and (b) joint kinematics. The soft tissue structures were modelled using a relatively simple, but very stable, composite model consisting of a band reinforced with fibres. Ligament recruitment and balancing was tested with laxity simulations. The tibial and patellar kinematics were simulated during flexion-extension. An implicit mathematical formulation was used. Joint kinematics, joint laxities, and ligament recruitment patterns were predicted realistically. The kinematics were very reproducible and stable during consecutive flexion-extension cycles. Hence, the model is suitable for the evaluation of prosthesis design, prosthesis alignment, ligament behaviour, and surgical parameters with respect to the biomechanical behaviour of the knee.

Modelling and measuring the thermal behaviour of the molten pool in closed-loop controlled laser-based additive manufacturing

2003 ◽  
Vol 217 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Hu ◽  
R Kovacevic
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Thermal Behaviour ◽  
Molten Pool ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Process Conditions

Laser-based additive manufacturing (LBAM) is a promising manufacturing technology that can be widely applied in solid freeform fabrication (SFF), component recovery and regeneration, and surface modification. The thermal behaviour of the molten pool is one of the critical factors that influences laser deposition indices such as geometrical accuracy, material properties and residual stresses. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed using ANSYS to simulate the thermal behaviour of the molten pool in building a single-bead wall via a closed-loop controlled LBAM process in which the laser power is controlled to keep the width of the molten pool constant. The temperature distribution, the geometrical feature of the molten pool and the cooling rate under different process conditions are investigated. To verify the simulation results, the thermal behaviour of the molten pool is measured by a coaxially installed infrared camera in experimental investigations of a closed-loop controlled LBAM process. Results from finite element thermal analysis provide guidance for the process parameter selection in LBAM, and develop a base for further residual stress analysis.

Development and Validation of a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of Cervical Spine (C3-C5)

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Bahramshahi ◽  
H. Ghaemi ◽  
K. Behdinan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Disc Bulge

The objective of this investigation is to develop a detailed, non-linear asymmetric three-dimensional anatomically and mechanically accurate FE model of complete middle cervical spine (C3-C5) using Hypermesh and MSC.Marc software. To achieve this goal, the components of the cervical spine are modeled using 20-noded hexagonal elements. The model includes the intervertebral disc, cortical bone, cancellous bone, endplates, and ligaments. The structure and dimensions of each spinal component are compared with experimentally measured values. In addition, the soil mechanics formulation of MSC.Marc finite element software is applied to model the mechanical behaviour of vertebrae and intervertebral discs as linear isotropic two-phase (biphasic) material. The FE simulation is conducted to investigate compression, flexion\extension and right\Left lateral bending modes. The simulation results are validated and compared closely with the published experimental data and the existing FE models. In general, results show greater flexibility in flexion and less flexibility in extension. The flexion/extension curves are asymmetric with a greater magnitude in flexion than in extension. In addition, the variations of the predicted lateral C4-C5 disc bulge are investigated and the results show that the maximum disc bulge occurs at the C4-C5 anterior location.

scholarly journals Finite element analysis of middle cervical spine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noushin Bahramshahi
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Spinal Column ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Disc Bulge

The spinal cord may be injured through various spinal column injury patterns. However, the relationship between column injury pattern and cord damage is not well understood. This investigation was conducted to develop a detailed, asymmetric three-dimensional finite element model of the C3-C5 cervical spine. The model was validated by comparing the simulation results obtained in this study with experimental published data. Upon validation of the model, the spinal cord was included into the model the simulation were performed. The disc bulge in the model with spinal cord were measured and compared with the results of the model without spinal cord. The results showed that inclusion of the spinal cord reduced the amount of lateral disc bulged. The results of the analysis of the model with spinal cord showed that in compression, the anterior surface of spinal cord sees more displacement, stress and strain that posterior surface and vice versa for flexion/extension.

The Path to Deliver the Most Realistic Follower Load for a Lumbar Spine in Standing Posture: A Finite Element Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Zhang ◽  
Weiping Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Compressive Load ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Lumbosacral Spine ◽  
Follower Load ◽  
Load Path ◽  
Standing Posture

A spine is proven to be subjected to a follower load which is a compressive load of physiologic magnitude acting on the whole spine. The path of the follower load approximates the tangent to the curve of the spine in in vivo neutral standing posture. However, the specific path location of the follower load is still unclear. The aim of this study is to find out the most realistic location of the follower load path (FLP) for a lumbar spine in standing. A three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element model (FEM) of lumbosacral vertebrae (L1-S1) with consideration of the calibrated material properties was established and validated by comparing with the experimental data. We show that the shape of the lumbosacral spine is strongly affected by the location of FLP. An evident nonlinear relationship between the FLP location and the kinematic response of the L1-S1 lumbosacral spine exists. The FLP at about 4 and 3 mm posterior to the curve connecting the center of the vertebral bodies delivers the most realistic location in standing for healthy people and patients having low back pains (LPBs), respectively. Moreover, the “sweeping” method introduced in this study can be applicable to all individualized FEM to determine the location of FLP.

“In Vivo” Determination of Macroscopic Biological Material Properties

1975 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 350-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. Garner ◽  
D. O. Blackketter
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Biological Material ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Harmonic Excitation ◽  
Analytical Technique

This paper describes an experimental-analytical technique for determining the in-vivo macroscopic biological material properties of the human forearm. The technique utilizes the experimentally determined steady-state response of the forearm to a harmonic excitation in the 100 to 1000 Hertz band and a non-symmetric three-dimensional finite element model of the forearm. The “in-vivo macroscopic material properties” were determined by adjusting the material properties of the finite element model until there was a minimum of difference between the response of the finite element and the response found experimentally in the 100 to 1000 Hertz band. Both the soft tissues and the hard tissues were modeled as viscoelastic materials.

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