Finite Element Method in Biomechanics

Course Information

• Course Title: Special Topics 1 (Finite Element Methods in Biomechanics)
• Course Code: 2014352-01
• Credits: 3
• Schedule: Saturday 12:00–14:00 & Monday 10:00-12:00
• Location: Class 25 & Class 2
• Instructor: Seyed Sadjad Abedi-Shahri
  • Email: AbediSadjad@gmail.com
  • Telegram: @Sad4Abd

• Lecture Materials: Provided weekly in LMS.

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the finite element method (FEM) as applied to biomechanics problems. Students will learn both theoretical foundations and practical implementation of computational biomechanics using professional software tools. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with medical imaging data, geometric modeling, and finite element analysis of biological structures.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Theoretical Foundations
   • Understand fundamental concepts of computational biomechanics
   • Apply finite element method principles to biomechanical problems
   • Comprehend the mathematical framework underlying FEM
2. Medical Imaging and Geometry
   • Extract geometry from medical images using 3D Slicer software
   • Perform segmentation of anatomical structures from medical imaging data
   • Create and improve geometric models using CATIA and MeshMixer
3. Computational Modeling
   • Develop finite element models in ABAQUS software
   • Perform biomechanical simulations of various anatomical structures
   • Analyze and interpret computational results
4. Problem-Solving Skills
   • Apply FEM to real biomechanical problems
   • Design simulation scenarios for different loading conditions
   • Generate comprehensive technical reports

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Computational Biomechanics
   • Necessity, importance, and future of computational biomechanics
   • Overview of biomechanical modeling applications
2. Medical Imaging and Geometry Extraction
   • Types of medical images and their applications
   • Segmentation techniques using 3D Slicer software
   • Geometry extraction from medical imaging data
3. Geometric Model Development and Improvement
   • Creating geometric models using CATIA and MeshMixer
   • Quality improvement techniques for geometric models
   • Model preparation for finite element analysis
4. Introduction to Finite Element Method
   • Theoretical foundations of FEM
   • Basic equations and mathematical framework
   • Fundamentals of discretization and numerical methods
5. Modeling with ABAQUS Software
   • Introduction to ABAQUS environment
   • Model setup and boundary conditions
   • Material properties and loading scenarios
   • Mesh generation and quality assessment
   • Solution procedures and convergence

Software Tools

• 3D Slicer: Medical image processing and segmentation
• MeshMixer: Mesh processing and improvement
• CATIA: Geometric modeling and design
• ABAQUS: Finite element analysis and simulation

References

Provided in Lecture Materials

Evaluation Scheme

1. Group Project: 60 points

   • Project Phase 1 (10%): Due: 3rd week of Mehr
     • Topic selection
     • Anatomical and biomechanical review of chosen topic
     • Medical image acquisition
   • Project Phase 2 (15%): Due: 4th week of Aban
     • Geometry extraction from medical images
     • Geometric model improvement
   • Project Phase 3 (20%): Due: 2nd week of Azar
     • Model import into ABAQUS
     • Initial simulation setup
   • Project Phase 4 (35%): Due: 2nd week of Dey
     • Main simulations based on different scenarios
     • Analysis of various loading conditions
   • Final Project Report (20%): Due: 17th of Dey
     • Analysis results
     • Comprehensive report preparation

2. Exercises: 10 points

3. Final Exam: 30 points

4. Extracurricular Activities (optional): Up to 10 bonus points

Session Outline

Additional Information

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have a basic understanding of:

• Mechanics of Materials (Optional)

Policies

1. Regular attendance is strongly recommended to stay on track with course material.
2. Students are expected to arrive on time. Late arrivals may disrupt the class and could impact participation evaluation.
3. Collaboration on assignments, exercises, and projects is encouraged. However, all submissions must reflect individual understanding and adhere to academic integrity policies. Plagiarism or copying will not be tolerated.
4. Project phases have strict deadlines due to sequential dependencies. Late submissions may significantly impact final grades.