A Neurogenetic Approach to a Multiobjective Design Optimization of Spinal Pedicle Screws

2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Kong Chao ◽  
Jinn Lin ◽  
Sandy Tri Putra ◽  
Ching-Chi Hsu

A pedicle screw fixation has been widely used to treat spinal diseases. Clinical reports have shown that the weakest part of the spinal fixator is the pedicle screw. However, previous studies have only focused on either screw breakage or screw loosening. There have been no studies that have addressed the multiobjective design optimization of the pedicle screws. The multiobjective optimization methodology was applied and it consisted of finite element method, Taguchi method, artificial neural networks, and genetic algorithms. Three-dimensional finite element models for both the bending strength and the pullout strength of the pedicle screw were first developed and arranged on an L25 orthogonal array. Then, artificial neural networks were used to create two objective functions. Finally, the optimum solutions of the pedicle screws were obtained by genetic algorithms. The results showed that the optimum designs had higher bending and pullout strengths compared with commercially available screws. The optimum designs of pedicle screw revealed excellent biomechanical performances. The neurogenetic approach has effectively decreased the time and effort required for searching for the optimal designs of pedicle screws and has directly provided the selection information to surgeons.

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1654
Author(s):  
Poojitha Vurtur Badarinath ◽  
Maria Chierichetti ◽  
Fatemeh Davoudi Kakhki

Current maintenance intervals of mechanical systems are scheduled a priori based on the life of the system, resulting in expensive maintenance scheduling, and often undermining the safety of passengers. Going forward, the actual usage of a vehicle will be used to predict stresses in its structure, and therefore, to define a specific maintenance scheduling. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can be used to map a reduced set of data coming from real-time measurements of a structure into a detailed/high-fidelity finite element analysis (FEA) model of the same system. As a result, the FEA-based ML approach will directly estimate the stress distribution over the entire system during operations, thus improving the ability to define ad-hoc, safe, and efficient maintenance procedures. The paper initially presents a review of the current state-of-the-art of ML methods applied to finite elements. A surrogate finite element approach based on ML algorithms is also proposed to estimate the time-varying response of a one-dimensional beam. Several ML regression models, such as decision trees and artificial neural networks, have been developed, and their performance is compared for direct estimation of the stress distribution over a beam structure. The surrogate finite element models based on ML algorithms are able to estimate the response of the beam accurately, with artificial neural networks providing more accurate results.


2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 435-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Golewski ◽  
J. Gajewski ◽  
T. Sadowski

Abstract Artificial neural networks [ANNs] are an effective method for predicting and classifying variables. This article presents the application of an integrated system based on artificial neural networks and calculations by the finite element method [FEM] for the optimization of geometry of a thin-walled element of an air structure. To ensure optimal structure, the structure’s geometry was modified by creating side holes and ribs, also with holes. The main criterion of optimization was to reduce the structure’s weight at the lowest possible deformation of the tested object. The numerical tests concerned a fragment of an elevator used in the “Bryza” aircraft. The tests were conducted for networks with radial basis functions [RBF] and multilayer perceptrons [MLP]. The calculations described in the paper are an attempt at testing the FEM - ANN system with respect to design optimization.


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