Biomechanics

With a continuum mechanical approach (solid and fluid mechanics) the following topics are addressed: mechanical properties of biofluids and biosolids, blood rheology, blood flow in arteries and veins, mechanical behaviour of biological tissues. Relevant ongoing research activities will be presented in some lectures accompanied with illustrative examples if possible.

This course will present fundamental concepts in mathematical modeling of biological tissues and blood flow, with a particular focus on cardiovascular applications The course has the following learning objectives:

Knowledge: The candidate will acquire knowledge about: Fundamental continuum mechanics (structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, rheology). Mechanical properties of biomaterials (bones and soft tissues) and blood. Blood flow in arteries and veins. Simplified models for the heart and muscles.

Skills: The candidate can: Compute stresses and strains for a hyperelastic model of a biological membrane. Compute wall stresses in a simple biological structures. Compute the velocity profiles for various blood flow models in straight pipes. Carry out parameter estimation of model parameters based on measurements and models.

General competence: The candidate can: Fundamental principles in continuum mechanics. Utilize continuum mechanical principles on biomechanical problems.

Digital competence: Python programming in exercises and project work

Lectures, computer execises and written exercises out of which at least 2/3 must be approved for exam admittance. The lectures and exercises are in English when students who do not speak Norwegian take the course. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments.