Finite element analysis of shoulder rotator cuff

• Main Author: Lee, Kenneth Jun Rui.
• Other Authors: Chou Siaw Meng
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Bioengineering; DRNTU::Science::Mathematics::Applied mathematics::Simulation and modeling
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40863
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This final year project aims to utilize a previously created three-dimensional (3D) model of the human shoulder Rotator Cuff and its four tendons; Subscapularis, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus and Teres Minor, for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to be carried out. The resulting computerized models are to be used to simulate force, stress and strain distribution patterns that the human shoulder joint undergoes in different scenarios. The ultimate aim is to virtually simulate the origination and consequences of muscular tears in the shoulder region, which has become a common problem in the elderly and shoulders that are subjected to repeated or excessive impact during sports. This project is a continuation from past final year projects, whereby the predecessors had created 3D models of the shoulder tendons from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. This has provided the author an excellent foundation to build on and start carrying out FEA on the models. The author made use of ANSYS Workbench software version 11 since it is one of the best tools available within the reach, which is compatible with the existing model. The author then set up a basic methodology on carrying out stress and strain analysis on the shoulder rotator cuff. The 3D models have been converted to Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) format, which allows the ANSYS software to read them. Material properties and connections between the tendons and the bone have been defined using the ANSYS software. The author has also inputted different possible parameters such as element type, element size in order to carry out mesh refinements to find out the optimal end results. At the end, the best method, which will be decided after considering its implicated cost factors, will be handed over for further improvisations such as change in direction of forces and utilized for future use. These will be further discussed in detail in the main report.