Checking date: 19/05/2022


Course: 2023/2024

Biomechanics
(18437)
Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering (Plan: 446 - Estudio: 221)


Coordinating teacher: SANTOS CUADROS, SILVIA

Department assigned to the subject: Mechanical Engineering Department

Type: Electives
ECTS Credits: 3.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Physics I Physics II Statistics Programming Machine Mechanics Mechanics of Structures Materials Resistance
Objectives
After successful completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1. Apply the knowledge acquired during the Bachelor to biomechanical studies used in research and/or companies. 2. Integrate all their knowledge to identify, formulate and solve multidisciplinary problems related to biomechanics. 3. Evaluate the kinematic and dynamic behaviour of the musculoskeletal system. 4. Know the mechanical behaviour of the different biological tissues, both hard and soft. 5. Make and manage bibliography, documentation, legislation, databases, specific software, and hardware applied to biomechanics. 6. Use the experimental techniques and engineering tools necessary for solving problems in the biomechanical field. 7. Design and carry out experimental tests in biomechanics, interpret the data and draw conclusions. 8. Interact with commercial finite element programs through code programming in Python and / or MATLAB. 9. Develop numerical models of finite elements and interpret the results correctly. 10. Communicate their conclusions and knowledge to audiences specialized in biomechanics.
Skills and learning outcomes
Description of contents: programme
Block I. Introduction to biomechanics: - Definition of biomechanics - Biomechanical Foundations - Biomechanics of the locomotor system - Mechanics of hard tissues - Soft tissue mechanics - Multidisciplinary application of biomechanics (medicine, sports, ergonomics, road safety, etc.) Block II. Experimental techniques in biomechanics: - Anthropometry - Analysis of human movements (tracking software) - Videophotogrammetry - Inertial sensors - Electromyography - Optical techniques - Motion simulation software - 3D printing and its applications in biomechanics - Mechanical experimentation Block III. Numerical modelling in biomechanics: - Mechanical behaviour of biological tissues - The finite element method in biomechanics - Realistic numerical models: Patient-specific philosophy - Design and manufacture of custom prosthetics
Learning activities and methodology
There will be master classes and exercises in the classroom, where the teacher will present the main contents of the subject and student participation will be encouraged by proposing exercises and discussing them. To gain a better understanding of the different topics, these classes will also be supported by experimental trials. There will also be sessions in the computer room applied to the study of biomechanics, as well as 2 laboratory practices to apply the techniques presented in the subject to practical and realistic cases. These practical classes will be the following: Practice 1. Analysis of a human movement. Practice 2. Finite Element Model of bone structure. A work of biomechanical application will be carried out, which will include from research on the subject to be treated and formulation of its hypotheses, through the design and performance of experiments, to the subsequent analysis of results and extraction of conclusions. Through Aula Global, the student will be informed of a personalized attention schedule in tutoring sessions, with the aim of solving possible doubts that the student may have about the contents treated in the subject.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 0
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 100
Calendar of Continuous assessment
Basic Bibliography
  • Abaqus. Abaqus user manual, SIMULIA. Abaqus.
  • Arthur E. Chapman. Biomechanical analysis of fundamental human movements ¿ Human Kinetics. Champaign. 2008
  • Duane Knudson. Fundamentals of Biomechanics. Springer. 2007
Additional Bibliography
  • Gautam M. Puri. Python Scripts for Abaqus. Learn by Example. Gautam M. Puri. 2011
  • Revistas científicas. Journal of Biomechanics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics. Elsevier, International Society of Biomechanics.

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.