On the Modeling of an Intervertebral Disc Using a Novel Large Deformation Multi-Shell Approach

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sébastien Demers ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Sylvie Nadeau

The objective of this study is to develop an analytical model to predict the stresses and displacements in the lamellae of the intervertebral disc subjected to a compressive force. This is achieved by developing a model based on membrane theory combined to large deformation multishell structural behavior. Equations for longitudinal and circumferential stresses are formulated for each lamella of the anulus fibrosus. Multilamellae interaction is a statically indeterminate problem, which requires equations of compatibility of the displacements of adjacent lamellae to be resolved. The large deformation inherent to soft tissue is considered and the solution is obtained using an iterative process. Elastic interactions with a large deformation is a novelty in analytical modeling of soft tissues. This provides model realism and offers the possibility for new and in-depth investigations. Results are given for longitudinal and circumferential stresses and displacements as well as contact pressures for every lamella of the anulus fibrosus. The analytical results are compared to those of two finite element models. The results suggest that the most highly stressed zone is located on the innermost lamella. Stresses decrease through disc thickness and are at a maximum at the innermost lamella. Circumferential stress is predominant and the difference is less than 5% at any point of the anulus fibrosus when the analytical model is compared to the finite element model using coupled degrees of freedom at the lamellae interface. When compared to the finite element model using contact elements, the difference is below 11%. Contact pressures from the inside to the outside of the anulus fibrosus are shown to decrease nonlinearly. The model presented in this study has demonstrated that it is possible to analytically simulate the complex mechanical behavior of a multishell intervertebral disc subjected to compression, provided some simplifications. Further improvements are suggested to increase model realism and recommendations are given for future experimentation necessary to support both the analytical and numerical models.

2011 ◽  
Vol 94-96 ◽  
pp. 375-380
Author(s):  
Xiao Dong Zhang ◽  
Yong Qiang Zhang

A method for determining the springing displacements and arch axis of old arch bridges without technical data is presented. By minimizing the difference between the arch axis predicted by the finite element model and the one obtained by assumed arch equation, the optimization problem is formulated and solved. Two numerical examples are given and the results are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengbo Niu ◽  
Jinyi Bai ◽  
Huan Yang ◽  
Dongsheng Zhang ◽  
Jianghong Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Bacground: It is of great significance to optimize the finite element model by spinal flexibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. The elastic modulus of the intervertebral disc is of critical importance in determining the overall flexibility of the spine. The aim of the present study was to optimize the finite element model of Lenke 1 AIS based on the dynamic flexibility in vivo by matching the optimal elastic modulus of the intervertebral disc.Methods: The Cobb angles under different longitudinal traction loads of one patient with Lenke 1 AIS were dynamically measured by using a spine morphometer with a posture sensor to plot the Cobb angle-longitudinal traction load characteristic curve. A 3D finite element model of the patient was established. The patient’s Cobb angle-longitudinal traction load characteristic curve was used as the dynamic flexibility in vivo to determine the optimal intervertebral disc elastic modulus of the model. Results: The dynamic flexibility curve in vivo of one Lenke 1 AIS patient was successfully obtained, and the patient’s optimal elastic modulus of the intervertebral disc for the finite element model was 5 MPa according to the dynamic flexibility curve in vivo.Conclusions: The use of dynamic flexibility in vivo to optimize the finite element model can provide a new perspective and approach for model optimization, which can reproduce the biomechanical characteristics in vivo of AIS patients.


Author(s):  
Yu Hui ◽  
Kai-Rui Zhao ◽  
Jun-Sheng Wu ◽  
Bin Yu ◽  
Chen Zhang ◽  
...  

Recent research has shown that lumbar disease has become common in China. Since the structure of the lumbar spine is extremely complex, a finite element analysis method was used to perform biomechanical simulation and analysis of stress and strain on the L3–L4 lumbar segment to provide both a scientific and theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and medical research. The MC volume-rendering 3D reconstruction method was the first step to accurately constructing the finite element model of the L3–L4 lumbar sacral segment, which was simulated prior to the addition of the ligaments, fibrous ring, and other major spinal tissue. The finite element model network was classified and the material properties of the corresponding parts were described. According to the normal model, careful simulation and deformation were performed, in addition to intervertebral disc degeneration in various cases. We have provided a detailed and professional analysis of the biomechanical properties, providing a powerful biomechanical basis for the diagnosis of intervertebral disc bulge and degeneration.


2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony E. Baer ◽  
Tod A. Laursen ◽  
Farshid Guilak ◽  
Lori A. Setton

Cellular response to mechanical loading varies between the anatomic zones of the intervertebral disc. This difference may be related to differences in the structure and mechanics of both cells and extracellular matrix, which are expected to cause differences in the physical stimuli (such as pressure, stress, and strain) in the cellular micromechanical environment. In this study, a finite element model was developed that was capable of describing the cell micromechanical environment in the intervertebral disc. The model was capable of describing a number of important mechanical phenomena: flow-dependent viscoelasticity using the biphasic theory for soft tissues; finite deformation effects using a hyperelastic constitutive law for the solid phase; and material anisotropy by including a fiber-reinforced continuum law in the hyperelastic strain energy function. To construct accurate finite element meshes, the in situ geometry of IVD cells were measured experimentally using laser scanning confocal microscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. The model predicted that the cellular micromechanical environment varies dramatically between the anatomic zones, with larger cellular strains predicted in the anisotropic anulus fibrosus and transition zone compared to the isotropic nucleus pulposus. These results suggest that deformation related stimuli may dominate for anulus fibrosus and transition zone cells, while hydrostatic pressurization may dominate in the nucleus pulposus. Furthermore, the model predicted that micromechanical environment is strongly influenced by cell geometry, suggesting that the geometry of IVD cells in situ may be an adaptation to reduce cellular strains during tissue loading.


According to the recent Russian norms, when designing building structures, it is necessary to conduct a dynamic analysis of wind loads, which previously was required not in all cases. In arched vaults of profiled arched self-supporting flooring, it was not always necessary to determine the frequencies and forms of natural vibrations. These parameters can be established using the finite element method. Taking into consideration the complex and lengthy modeling process of arched vaults, in particular the contact areas in regular transverse joints, a large number of finite elements in the models and, as a consequence, considerable time for their calculation, it was necessary to identify a sufficient level of detailing of a finite element model for correct calculations of frequencies and forms of vibrations considered in the operation of structures. The influence of the detailing of the finite element model of arched vaults made of profiled flooring on the determination of their natural frequency is revealed. To substantiate the parameters of the finite element model, it was studied how the results of the calculation was influenced by edge effects, the presence of friction in the joints of corrugations of the profiled flooring, the influence of rubber gaskets in the joints on the work of the arched vault. Much attention is paid to the features of the design scheme associated with the choice of the number of sheets of profiled flooring, taking into account the contact nodes, friction forces, etc. It is established that the first vibration frequency is little dependent on the number of sheets of corrugated flooring and the presence of rubber gaskets in the joints. For subsequent frequencies, the difference can be significant.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 885-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio Stochino ◽  
Antonio Cazzani ◽  
Sergio Poppi ◽  
Emilio Turco

The 64 m diameter Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT), located near Cagliari (Italy), is the world’s second largest fully steerable radio telescope with an active surface. Among its peculiarities is the capability of modifying the configuration of the primary mirror surface by means of electromechanical actuators. This capability enables, within a fixed range, balancing of the deformation caused by external loads. In this way, the difference between the ideal shape of the mirror (which maximizes its performance) and the actual surface can be reduced. The control loop of the radio telescope needs a procedure that is able to predict SRT deformation, with the required accuracy, in order to reduce deviation from the ideal shape. To achieve this aim, a finite element model that can accurately predict the displacements of the structure is required. Unfortunately, the finite element model of the SRT, although very refined, does not give completely satisfactory results, since it does not take into account essential pieces of information, for instance, thermal strains and assembly defects. This paper explores a possible update of the finite element model using only the benchmark data available, i.e. the photogrammetric survey developed during the setup of the reflecting surface. This updating leads to a significant reduction in the differences between photogrammetric data and results of the numerical model. The effectiveness of this tuning procedure is then assessed.


2012 ◽  
Vol 268-270 ◽  
pp. 737-740
Author(s):  
Yang Yu ◽  
Yi Hua Dou ◽  
Fu Xiang Zhang ◽  
Xiang Tong Yang

It is necessary to know the connecting and sealing ability of premium connection for appropriate choices of different working conditions. By finite element method, the finite element model of premium connection is established and the stresses of seal section, shoulder zone and thread surface of tubing by axial tensile loads are analyzed. The results show that shoulder zone is subject to most axial stresses at made-up state, which will make distribution of stresses on thread reasonable. With the increase of axial tensile loads, stresses of thread on both ends increase and on seal section and shoulder zone slightly change. The maximum stress on some thread exceed the yield limit of material when axial tensile loads exceed 400KN. Limited axial tensile loads sharply influence the contact pressures on shoulder zone while slightly on seal section. Although the maximum contact pressure on shoulder zone drop to 0 when the axial tensile load is 600KN, the maximum contact pressure on seal section will keep on a high level.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Asgari ◽  
S. A. Osman ◽  
A. Adnan

The model tuning through sensitivity analysis is a prominent procedure to assess the structural behavior and dynamic characteristics of cable-stayed bridges. Most of the previous sensitivity-based model tuning methods are automatic iterative processes; however, the results of recent studies show that the most reasonable results are achievable by applying the manual methods to update the analytical model of cable-stayed bridges. This paper presents a model updating algorithm for highly redundant cable-stayed bridges that can be used as an iterative manual procedure. The updating parameters are selected through the sensitivity analysis which helps to better understand the structural behavior of the bridge. The finite element model of Tatara Bridge is considered for the numerical studies. The results of the simulations indicate the efficiency and applicability of the presented manual tuning method for updating the finite element model of cable-stayed bridges. The new aspects regarding effective material and structural parameters and model tuning procedure presented in this paper will be useful for analyzing and model updating of cable-stayed bridges.


2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. W. Kwon ◽  
J. A. Lobuono

Abstract The objective of this study is to develop a finite element model of the human thorax with a protective body armor system so that the model can adequately determine the thorax’s biodynamical response from a projectile impact. The finite element model of the human thorax consists of the thoracic skeleton, heart, lungs, major arteries, major veins, trachea, and bronchi. The finite element model of the human thorax is validated by comparing the model’s results to experimental data obtained from cadavers wearing a protective body armor system undergoing a projectile impact.


Author(s):  
V. Ramamurti ◽  
D. A. Subramani ◽  
K. Sridhara

Abstract Stress analysis and determination of eigen pairs of a typical turbocharger compressor impeller have been carried out using the concept of cyclic symmetry. A simplified model treating the blade and the hub as isolated elements has also been attempted. The limitations of the simplified model have been brought out. The results of the finite element model using the cyclic symmetric approach have been discussed.


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