Finite element modelling and validation of the lubmar spine using a multi-block approach

• Main Author: Chua, Priscilla Tsie Hwee.
• Other Authors: Teo Ee Chon
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/48020
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

There is a growing trend in the use of computational biomechanical models in clinical studies, especially for analysing phenomena that cannot be clarified by experimental methods, thus the growing need to develop an accurate and reliable Finite Element model. The lumbar spine is a complex geometrical body that is often modelled using tetrahedral elements. Given that hexahedral elements are more robust, produces better quality and accurate results under loading conditions, this study aims to model the lumbar spine using hexahedral elements. A multi-body method was adopted to manually create a hexahedral element mesh. The novel technique employed in this project is the creation of “block-structures” to harness the advantages of both the structured and unstructured meshes.