Introduction to biomechanics
 

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Article #1: What is biomechanics

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Biomechanics is the research and analysis regarded as instances in which living
of the mechanics of living organisms or tissue is remodeling as a direct
the application and derivation of consequence of applied loads.
engineering principles to and from Relevant mathematical tools include
biological systems. The research and linear algebra, differential equations,
analysis can be carried forth on multiple vector and tensor calculus, numerics and
levels, from the molecular, wherein computational techniques such as the
biomaterials such as collagen and elastin finite element method.
are considered, all the way up to the The study of biomaterials is of crucial
tissue and organ level. Some simple importance to biomechanics. For example,
applications of Newtonian mechanics can the various tissues within the body, such
supply correct approximations on each as skin, bone, and arteries each possess
level, but precise details demand the use unique material properties. The passive
of continuum mechanics. mechanical response of a particular
Aristotle wrote the first book on tissue can be attributed to
biomechanics, De Motu Animalium, or On characteristics of the various proteins,
the Movement of Animals. He not only saw such as elastin and collagen, living
animals' bodies as mechanical systems, cells, ground substances such as
but pursued questions such as the proteoglycans, and the orientations of
physiological difference between fibers within the tissue. For example, if
imagining performing an action and human skin were largely composed of a
actually doing it. Some simple examples protein other than collagen, many of its
of biomechanics research include the mechanical properties, such as its
investigation of the forces that act on elastic modulus, would be different.
limbs, the aerodynamics of bird and Chemistry, molecular biology, and cell
insect flight, the hydrodynamics of biology have much to offer in the way of
swimming in fish, and locomotion in explaining the active and passive
general across all forms of life, from properties of living tissues. For
individual cells to whole organisms. The example, in muscle contractions, the
biomechanics of human beings is a core binding of myosin to actin is based on a
part of kinesiology. biochemical reaction involving calcium
Applied mechanics, most notably ions and ATP.
thermodynamics and continuum mechanics, The study of biomechanics ranges from the
and mechanical engineering disciplines inner workings of a cell to the movement
such as fluid mechanics and solid and development of limbs, the
mechanics, play prominent roles in the vasculature, and bones. As we develop a
study of biomechanics. By applying the greater understanding of the
laws and concepts of physics, physiological behavior of living tissues,
biomechanical mechanisms and structures researchers are able to advance the field
can be simulated and studied. of tissue engineering, as well as develop
It has been shown that applied loads and improved treatments for a wide array of
deformations can affect the properties of pathologies.
living tissue. There is much research in Biomechanics as a sports science,
the field of growth and remodeling as a kinesiology, applies the laws of
response to applied loads. For example, mechanics and physics to human
the effects of elevated blood pressure on performance in order to gain a greater
the mechanics of the arterial wall, the understanding of performance in athletic
behavior of cardiomyocytes within a heart events through modeling, simulation, and
with a cardiac infarct, and bone growth measurement.
in response to exercise have been widely






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