Numerical Techniques for the Noninvasive Assessment of Material Properties and Stresses in Soft Biomaterials

摘要: Butz, Kent D. Ph.D., Purdue University, December 2013. Numerical Techniques for the Noninvasive Assessment of Material Properties and Stresses in Soft Biomaterials. Major Professor: Dr. Eric A. Nauman, School Mechanical Engineering. The noninvasive measurement finite displacements strains biomaterials by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be shown to enable mathematical estimates stress distributions material properties within structures body such as articular cartilage or intervertebral disc. Such methods will allow non-contact patientspecific modeling a manner not currently possible with traditional mechanical testing element techniques. Therefore, objective this thesis was develop computational incorporating imaging-based measures deformation, composition, local microstructure permit nondestructive analysis range complex biomechanical systems. Finite strain-based models were developed applied towards several biomaterial systems increasing complexity. First, model homogeneous, single system created juvenile porcine both linear nonlinear assumptions under plane conditions. Through study, viability estimating stresses homogeneous solely from MRI-based displacement strain could established. then expanded encompass single-plane, multi-region regional rabbit disc degeneration model. This incorporated estimate heterogeneous structure based upon biochemical showed that state tissue effectively