A virtual biomechanics laboratory incorporating advanced image processing and finite element modeling

• Autores: Ali Ural
• Localización: The International journal of engineering education, ISSN-e 0949-149X, Vol. 34, no. 2, 2018, págs. 505-513
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Biomechanics is an emerging field within mechanical engineering. The number of students who are interested inbiomechanics has been increasing in recent years. Therefore, integration of biomechanics concepts into mechanicalengineering curriculum is currently of high interest both for students and faculty. This paper outlines a virtual bone testinglaboratory that was developed and implemented in a biomechanics course as a part of the graduate mechanical engineeringcurriculum. Five virtual experiments were designed utilizing advanced image processing and finite element modeling.These experiments incorporated interactive visualization, manipulation, and virtual testing of actual bone images toevaluate the mechanical response of bone. The virtual laboratory created a hands-on learning environment while bridgingthe gap between theory and real life behavior and helped develop a deep understanding of the underlying fundamentalprinciples of complex mechanics concepts. The assessment of the effectiveness of the virtual experiments through surveysdemonstrated an improvement in students’ overall understanding of the course material. In summary, the virtuallaboratory complemented the theoretical components of the course and created a richer learning environment for thestudents.