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Introduction

The document contrasts biomechanics, which focuses on mechanical functions in biological systems, with mechanobiology, which examines how these systems adapt to mechanical stress or damage. It outlines the historical development of the fields, highlighting key figures and concepts, and discusses the importance of mathematical modeling in understanding biological complexities. Challenges in modeling include biological variability and the need for simplification while capturing essential trends.

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bayanmab2001
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3 views

Introduction

The document contrasts biomechanics, which focuses on mechanical functions in biological systems, with mechanobiology, which examines how these systems adapt to mechanical stress or damage. It outlines the historical development of the fields, highlighting key figures and concepts, and discusses the importance of mathematical modeling in understanding biological complexities. Challenges in modeling include biological variability and the need for simplification while capturing essential trends.

Uploaded by

bayanmab2001
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction

Biomechanics vs. Mechanobiology

1
Biomechanics vs. Mechanobiology

Biomechanics: Mechanical function and malfunction in biological


systems

Mechanobiology: How biological systems maintain or restore


normal function as a result of abnormal mechanical
load or damage
• Growth (change in volume)
• Remodeling (change in material properties)
• Morphogenesis (change in shape)
• Ex: Enlarged Heart
2
History

• Aristotle: studied kinematics of animal motion


• Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei: analyzed biological structure
and function using mechanical principles
• Y.C. Fung:
• Started in 1960
• The father of modern biomechanics
• Blood flow
• Tissue mechanical properties

3
History…continue

• Julius Wolff and Wilhelm Roux:


• 1800s
• Proposed trabecular bone architecture
• Proposed functional adaptation concept
• D’arcy Thompson:
Physical laws are a primary determinant of biological form
• Y.C. Fung:
• Started in 1980
• Tissue engineering and residual stress in arteries

4
Mathematical Modeling

• Provide valuable complement to experiments

• Help understand biological systems

• Qualitative models as Aristotle

• da Vinci & Galileo introduced mathematics to the field

• Numerical Analysis (Finite Element) advanced the field dramatically

5
Physical Challenges

• Complex 3D geometry
• Large deformation
• Time-dependent material properties
• Active force generation (e.g., contraction)
• Multiscale effects
• Instabilities
• Interaction between biomechanical and biochemical factors

6
Biological Challenges

• Biological high variability hindering prediction accuracy

• Adaptive response resulting from experimental artifacts

• Large number of unknown parameters in a biological system

7
Importance of Modeling

Although complete validation is not readily possible

• Understand complex behavior


• Provide statistical trends
• Provide information that can not be measured directly

Models can not be completely trusted for future behavior prediction


mainly due to biological adaptation

“Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful”


8
The Art of Modeling

• Start simple and then add complexities as needed


• Time scale (remodeling, elastic, viscoelastic)
• Spatial scale (thin or thick walled model: average stress or
distribution?)
• Complex or approximated geometry

“An excellent model is that capturing qualitative trends for all


experimental results”

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