Physical modelling in biomechanics

Physical modelling in biomechanics.

Physical models, like mathematical models, are useful tools in biomechanical research. Physical models enable investigators to explore parameter space in a way that is not possible using a comparative approach with living organisms: parameters can be varied one at a time to measure the performance consequences of each, while values and combinations not found in nature can be tested. Experiments...

Multiscale modelling in biomechanics

Modelling the biomechanics and control of sphincters.

This paper reviews current mathematical models of sphincters and compares them with a new spatial neuromuscular control model based on known physiological properties. Almost all the sphincter models reviewed were constructed as a component of a more extensive model designed to mirror the overall behaviour of a larger system such as the lower urinary tract. This implied less detailed modelling o...

Multiscale modelling and team science: the future of orthopaedic biomechanics

Introduction Some of the most exciting developments in recent biomechanics research regard topics that lay at boundaries: boundaries between dimensional scales (i.e. cell-tissue interaction), between sub-systems (i.e. cardiovascular and musculoskeletal), or between different domains of biomedical knowledge (i.e. biology and engineering). This is a trend that we are observing in the entire biome...

Quantitative modelling of the biomechanics of the avian syrinx

We review current quantitative models of the biomechanics of bird sound production. A quantitative model of the vocal apparatus was proposed by Fletcher (1988). He represented the syrinx (i.e. the portions of the trachea and bronchi with labia and membranes) as a single membrane. This membrane acts as a valve that rapidly closes and opens during phonation.This model can be used as a basis to ad...