1. Home
2. Faculty of Engineering

ES541 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS

Course Objectives

The object of the course is to introduce a brief understanding of the mechanical properties of the cells, especially muscle contractile cells in the molecular level by introducing statistical mechanics. Another example of cell mechanics studied is about the red-cells in the blood flow by using Poiseuille flow characteristics and Stokes Theorem. Further, shell theory is introduced to appreciate the membrane characteristics of the red-blood cells, which is the only cell in the body without a nucleus surviving about three months in the blood circulation against a steep pressure gradient change, at a rate of 1 cycle/min. 

Course Content

Structural and physical properties of bone, muscle, tendon and cartilage. Mechanics of joint and muscle action. Body equilibrium. Mechanics of the spinal column, of the pelvis and of the hip joint. Pathomechanics.

Course Learning Outcomes

Taking this course will enable students

Gain an understanding of diffusion by studying Fick's Laws

Ability to develop mathematical and computational model of diffusion by using random-walks 

understanding of and ability to use Rigorous derivation of Gaussian distribution as the solution of diffusion model

Ability to gain mathematical analysis of visco-elasticity
 
Ability to learn and simulate passive properties of visco-elastic bodies via Matlab simulation models

To learn about mathematical modeling of active viscoelastic bodies and its control

To develop Hill-type muscle model depending on basis of neurophysiology

Gain the ability to interpret and model motor action via proprioception; so generally called action-and-perception

Program Outcomes Matrix