The solution of an integral equation with its application to human joints

The fundamental fluid transport mechanisms in a cavity of a joint and the deformation of the bearing surfaces are important for the understanding of the bio-mechanical process involved in the physiology of normal and pathological synovial joints. We present here a study of elasto-rheodynamic lubrication of a self-acting dynamically loaded bearing which employs a porous, elastic material (articular cartilage) and a visco-elastic non-linear lubricant (synovial fluid). The tangible solution of the model is, finally, subjected to the resolution of a non-linear integral equation. Important conclusion is drawn from the results obtained for bearing characteristics which show the self-adjusting nature of human joints.