scholarly journals A Finite Element Model of the C1-C4 Human Spine Segment

Author(s):  
Bonifaz Edison A

Human spine is one of the complex structure of the human body. It provides the link between upper and lower extremities of the human body. It is estimated that at least 30% of people in the middle age group from thirty to fifty years have some degree of disc degeneration. Disc degeneration disease can affect the quality of life and in certain individual it can cause severe chronic pain if left untreated. The low back pain associated with lumbar disc degeneration is usually generated from two causes which are abnormal motion instability and inflammation. Abnormal motion instability occurs when the annulus fibrosus are worn down and cannot absorb stress on the human spine effectively resulting in changes in movements along the vertebral segment. To understand lumbar disc problem, a thorough knowledge of the biomechanics of the normal human lumbar spine and a disc degenerated lumbar spine is of great importance. In this study, Computed tomography image of a 33 year old male is used. A three dimensional (3D) human lumbar spine (L3 to L5) is created and validated with literature. The finite element model was modified to degenerated disc and studied the biomechanics of the lumbar spine. Comparison of the biomechanics of normal human lumbar spine is done with the human lumbar spine with disc degeneration for different range of motion and different loads. The result shows that the pressure generated on degenerated disc is greater than normal disc. This work can be implemented and used for designing implants and also for intervertebral disc related analysis


2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 448-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Tsouknidas ◽  
Nikoalos Michailidis ◽  
Savvas Savvakis ◽  
Kleovoulos Anagnostidis ◽  
Konstantinos-Dionysios Bouzakis ◽  
...  

This study presents a CT-based finite element model of the lumbar spine taking into account all function-related boundary conditions, such as anisotropy of mechanical properties, ligaments, contact elements, mesh size, etc. Through advanced mesh generation and employment of compound elements, the developed model is capable of assessing the mechanical response of the examined spine segment for complex loading conditions, thus providing valuable insight on stress development within the model and allowing the prediction of critical loading scenarios. The model was validated through a comparison of the calculated force-induced inclination/deformation and a correlation of these data to experimental values. The mechanical response of the examined functional spine segment was evaluated, and the effect of the loading scenario determined for both vertebral bodies as well as the connecting intervertebral disc.


1989 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. T. Tseng ◽  
R. G. Pelle ◽  
J. P. Chang

Abstract A finite element model was developed to simulate the tire-rim interface. Elastomers were modeled by nonlinear incompressible elements, whereas plies were simulated by cord-rubber composite elements. Gap elements were used to simulate the opening between tire and rim at zero inflation pressure. This opening closed when the inflation pressure was increased gradually. The predicted distribution of contact pressure at the tire-rim interface agreed very well with the available experimental measurements. Several variations of the tire-rim interference fit were analyzed.


1996 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. V. Pidaparti

Abstract A three-dimensional (3D) beam finite element model was developed to investigate the torsional stiffness of a twisted steel-reinforced cord-rubber belt structure. The present 3D beam element takes into account the coupled extension, bending, and twisting deformations characteristic of the complex behavior of cord-rubber composite structures. The extension-twisting coupling due to the twisted nature of the cords was also considered in the finite element model. The results of torsional stiffness obtained from the finite element analysis for twisted cords and the two-ply steel cord-rubber belt structure are compared to the experimental data and other alternate solutions available in the literature. The effects of cord orientation, anisotropy, and rubber core surrounding the twisted cords on the torsional stiffness properties are presented and discussed.


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