Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
ME30061 Biomechanics |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take ME20023 or take ME20024 or take ME20071 |
|
Aims:
* To introduce the student to applications of mechanics in a biological and clinical context. * To provide an insight into the forces and motions in human joints, and the mechanical properties of a variety of hard and soft tissues. * To give an appreciation of the functional requirements of replacement joints and fracture fixation systems. * To impart an awareness of the materials and manufacturing technology associated with the design of replacement joints and fracture fixture systems. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Relate the principles of mechanics to biological tissues, the major load bearing joints and to the management of fractures. * Appreciate the range of technology used in the medical device industry and the problems associated with the performance of artificial joints and fracture fixation systems in the aggressive environment of the human body. Skills: Problem solving; numeracy; working independently. Content: BIOMECHANICS OF NATURAL JOINTS: Introduction to musculo-skeletal system, connective tissues ,anatomical structures of synovial joints, biomechanics of articular cartilage, biomechanics of bone, lubrication of natural joints. KINEMATICS AND DYNAMICS OF SYNOVIAL JOINTS: Hip joint, knee joint, ankle and foot, elbow and shoulder, wrist and hand, spine. BIOMATERIALS: General requirements, biocompatibility, lubrication and wear. ARTIFICIAL JOINTS: Joint disorders, history of joint replacement, methods of fixation, functional adaptation of prosthesis/bone composite structure. BIOMECHANICS OF FRACTURE FIXATION: Biomechanics of fracture, healing, methods of fracture fixation and stabilisation ENGINEERING STUDIES IN BIOMECHANICS: Engineering techniques in biomechanical testing, in vivo and in vitro testing of implants, future perspectives. Topics for self study that could be examined. |