Introductory description

ES97E-15 Biomechanics

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Experimental methods for single cells. Introduction of various techniques for measuring the mechanical properties of single biological cells
• Cell mechanics. Mechanical models for cell deformation and their biomedical applications
• Cell adhesion and cell-material interaction. Mechanistic and adhesion mechanisms in cell-to-cell and cell-biomaterial interactions
• Tissue mechanics. Measurement and modelling of the deformation behaviours of biological tissues
• Multi-scale biomechanics. Mechanical characterisations bridging the gap between discrete cell level and continuous tissue level
• Kinematics, anatomical models and marker sets. Will include: the standard anatomical position, associated terms of location, axes and planes; the use of markers with motion capture to obtain kinematic variables, including a simple and Vicon’s Plug-in-Gait marker sets; conventions for kinematics, such as global and segment reference frames, and descriptions of segments in space; techniques for direct measurement of certain kinematic variables; calculation of other kinematic variables (such as limb-segment angles). Associated with these topics are training sessions (4 hours duration) in the use of the School of Engineering’s Gait Laboratory.
• Kinetics: Forces and moments. Will include: link-segment biomechanical models; ground reaction force and force plates; combining force plate data and kinematic data for a basic foot model, and then using the Gait Laboratory for inverse dynamics [this will form basis for related assignment]; centers of mass and pressure, and their differences; the inverted pendulum model.
• Mechanical Work, Energy and Power. Will include: the relationship between moments, angular velocity and joint power during normal gait; internal versus external work, and their calculation; sign convention for muscle work; mechanical energy transfer between segments, power balances at joints and within segments; forms of energy storage and the total energy of a multi-segment system.
• Forward dynamics. Lagrangian mechanics based formulation of so-called forward models to include: Generalised coordinates, degrees of freedom and reference systems; displacement and velocity vectors; system energy; external forces and torques.
• Muscle mechanics. Will include: Basic introduction to muscles; Hill-type mathematical models of muscles; force-length and force-velocity characteristics of muscles; processing of the electromyogram.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the core principles of biomechanics and be able to apply these principles to complex mechanical systems in biology and medicine [M1, M2]
• Have an advanced understanding of kinematics, and be able to determine key kinematic variables in human motion in a systematic fashion [M1, M2]
• Use state-of-the-art data capture, via a Gait Laboratory, to determine and analyse key kinematic and kinetic variables in human motion [M3, M12]
• Have an advanced understanding of kinetics in human motion; be able to derive basic link-segment equations; and perform a kinetic analysis of reaction forces and moments in 2D [M1, M2]
• Understand the concepts of work, energy and power in human movement and how they relate to muscle function [M1, M2]
• Have a deep understanding of mechanical models in biological cells/tissues; be able to derive force-balance equations; and perform a systematic analysis of cell/tissue mechanics [M1, M2]
• Understand and critically evaluate modern experimental techniques for the measurements of cell and tissue/mechanics; and be able to explain the working principles, merits and drawbacks of the techniques [M1]

Indicative reading list

1. Winter, D.A. Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement, Wiley, 2009. (ISBN: 9780470398180)
2. Robertson, G., Caldwell, G., Hamill, J., Kamen, G. and Whittlesey, S. Research Methods in Biomechanics, Human Kinetics, 2013. (ISBN: 9780736093408)
3. Latash, M.L., Zatsiorsky, V. Biomechanics and Motor Control: Defining Central Concepts, Academic Press, 2015. (ISBN: 9780128003848)
4. Boal, D. Mechanics of the cell, Cambridge University Press, 2012. (ISBN: 9780521540629)
5. Fung, Y.C. Biomechanics: Mechanical Properties of Living Tissues, Springer-Verlag, 2010. (ISBN: 9781441931047)
6. Budynas, R.G. and Nisbett, J.K. Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, McGraw-Hill, 2008. (ISBN: 9780071257633)
7. Cook, R.D., Malkus, D.S., Plesha, M.E. and Witt, R.J. Concepts and applications of finite element analysis, Wiley, 2007. (ISBN: 9788126513369)

Subject specific skills

• Ability to conceive, make and realise a system or process
• Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality
• Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills

Transferable skills

• Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
• Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
• Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
• Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
• Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
• Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue