Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
08:03
An In Vitro Organ Culture Model of the Murine Intervertebral Disc
Published on: April 11, 2017
9.4K
Intervertebral disc creep behavior assessment through an open source finite element solver
A P G Castro1, W Wilson2, J M Huyghe2
1Center for Mechanical and Materials Technologies (CT2M), University of Minho Campus of Azurem, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal.
Journal of Biomechanics
|November 12, 2013
Summary
This study developed an open-source Finite Element (FE) model for accurate biomechanical analysis of the Intervertebral Disc (IVD). The novel model shows improved accuracy in simulating disc behavior, aiding Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Mechanics
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) poses a significant global health and economic burden.
- Accurate biomechanical modeling of the Intervertebral Disc (IVD) is crucial due to its complex multiphasic nature.
- Existing poroelastic models are often limited by proprietary software.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel biomimetic Finite Element (FE) model for Intervertebral Disc (IVD) biomechanics.
- To develop and validate an open-source FE solver for studying IVD behavior.
- To incorporate biphasic osmotic swelling into the poroelastic FE model.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a novel poroelastic formulation within an open-source FE solver.
- Inclusion of biphasic osmotic swelling behavior in the model.
- Numerical simulations of non-degenerated human lumbar IVD time-dependent behavior, including creep assessment.
Main Results:
- The developed FE model accurately simulated the time-dependent behavior of the human lumbar IVD.
- Creep assessment results aligned with experimental data.
- Demonstrated improved numerical accuracy compared to commercial software (ABAQUS®).
Conclusions:
- The open-source FE solver is a validated and promising tool for IVD biomechanics research.
- The model aids in understanding the mechanisms of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD).
- Further development aims to enhance the study of complex IVD pathologies.
Keywords:
Biphasic osmotic swellingCreep behaviorFE solverHuman spineIntervertebral discPoroelasticityMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
29
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
29
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
44
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
44
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
34
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
34
01:28Factors Affecting Creep
585
In normal-weight aggregate concrete, the hardened cement paste is the primary contributor to creep, whereas the aggregates, being stiffer than the cement paste, are more resilient to stress-induced deformation. The stiffness of the aggregates is defined by their modulus of elasticity, and the more voluminous they are in the concrete, the less it will creep.
Further, the water/cement ratio is critical, as a lower ratio increases concrete strength, thus reducing creep. The strength of the...
Further, the water/cement ratio is critical, as a lower ratio increases concrete strength, thus reducing creep. The strength of the...
585
01:20Normal Strain under Axial Loading
1.6K
Normal strain under axial loading is an important concept in the field of mechanics of materials. Axial loading implies the application of a force along the axis of a material, like a column or bar. This force can either compress or stretch the material. In the context of axial loading, normal strain is the deformation experienced by the material in the direction of the loading force. It's calculated as the change in length divided by the original length of the material. This unitless ratio...
1.6K
01:14Bending of Curved Members - Strain Analysis
678
The mechanics of deformation in curved members, such as beams or arches, under bending moments, involve complex responses. When such a member, symmetric about the y-axis and shaped like a segment of a circle centered at point C, is subjected to equal and opposite forces, its curvature and surface lengths change significantly. This alteration results in the shift of the curvature's center from C to C', indicating a tighter curve.
The important part of bending analysis for such a member...
The important part of bending analysis for such a member...
678