Biomechanics - Fundamentals and Modeling

Biomechanics is defined as the study of biological systems by means of mechanical principles. It is aimed at providing insights into the system's structure and function, predicting pathological changes, and proposing therapeutic approaches. Hence, biomechanics is the basis of modern (bio-)medical engineering. In this course, the individual steps of modeling are demonstrated based on several examples. Starting from a brief overview of the anatomy and physiology of the system under consideration (including lung, bone, cardiovascular system), the aspects which are essential for a mechanical model are defined and suitable modeling approaches are formulated. The focus of this course is on the mechanics of biological tissues (including passive and active behavior, growth, remodeling) as well as on the modeling of flow and transport phenomena in blood vessels and airways (including the comparison of 3D, 1D, and 0D models).

Upon successful completion of the course Biomechanics Fundamentals and Modeling , students are capable of independently identifying which basic mechanical principles have to be considered to describe the behaviour of an existing biological system. Thus they can identify the significant effects and deduce a less complex mathematical model of the underlying biology. In particular, they know how to homogenise tissue properties as well as the basic steps towards reducing the flow patterns in blood circulation and in the lung in their dimension. Furthermore, the students have a broad overview of the current models used to describe the most important processes in the human body.

Knowledge of nonlinear continuum mechanics and physiology is helpful but not mandatory. Important basics are covered at the beginning of the lecture.

The lecture will be conducted as a presentation. Main contents of the lecture will be noted on a tabloid PC. The printed lecture notes of the students contain gaps which have to be filled with these contents. In the exercise course, examples are solved jointly.

Lecture, presentation with tabloid PC, additional materials on learning platform

Student's notes taken during lecture, handout of slides filled in during lecture, list of further literature

At the end of the semester, the examination is taken in written form (90 min).
It consists of a mixture of short questions and arithmetic problems, which test the understanding of particular phenomena in biomechanics and the ability to formulate suitable biomechanical models. All topics of the lecture are subject of the exam.
Allowed aids will be announced during the lecture period.