Computational modeling in biomechanics has become a standard methodology, both for interpreting the biomechanical and biophysical basis of experimental results and as an investigative approach in its own right when experimental investigation is difficult or impossible. The finite element method is by far the most common numerical discretization and solution technique that has been used. However, the lack of a software environment that is tailored to the needs of the field has hampered research progress, dissemination of research and sharing of models and results. To address these issues, we developed the FEBio software suite during our first funding period (2007-2011), a nonlinear implicit FE framework designed specifically for analysis in biomechanics and biophysics. During the second funding period (2012-2016), we considerably expanded the capabilities of FEBio to model living tissues by implementing chemical reactions between constituents of a mixture. We also broadened the target audience for FEBio by developing a plugin environment that enables investigators to easily add features or interface their own software with FEBio. We also optimized the computational costs associated with these advanced techniques by extending the application of parallel processing. In this competing continuation application, we propose to further expand the capabilities of FEBio by developing and implementing a novel FE framework for simulation of compressible and incompressible computational fluid dynamics, and coupling this framework to existing mixture capabilities in FEBio to enable analysis of fluid-solid interaction problems. We will also enhance algorithmic, analysis and numerical capabilities by implementing efficient iterative linear solvers and preconditioners, new nonlinear solution strategies, adaptive meshing, and mortar methods for mesh tying and contact. We will enhance our preprocessor PreView and post-processor PostView to support the frameworks in the above proposed aims, while continuing to provide exemplary support, training, documentation, and development of the FEBio software suite for the biomechanics research community. Applications of computational biomechanics and biophysics span all fields of the biomedical sciences, including areas as diverse as molecular dynamics, cell motility and mechanics, cardiovascular mechanics, musculoskeletal biomechanics and tissue engineering. The FEBio software suite will facilitate advances in these fields, which in turn will contribute to improved understanding of basic biological and medical questions as well as improved strategies for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Public Health Relevance

Applications of computational biomechanics span all fields of the biomedical sciences, including areas as diverse as molecular dynamics, cell motility and mechanics, biotransport, cardiovascular mechanics, musculoskeletal biomechanics and tissue engineering. The FEBio software suite will facilitate advances in these fields, which in turn will contribute to improved understanding of basic biological and medical questions as well as improved strategies for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM083925-10
Application #
9328092
Study Section
Modeling and Analysis of Biological Systems Study Section (MABS)
Program Officer
Brazhnik, Paul
Project Start
2008-09-30
Project End
2020-08-31
Budget Start
2017-09-01
Budget End
2018-08-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Type
Biomed Engr/Col Engr/Engr Sta
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112
Killian, Megan L; Locke, Ryan C; James, Michael G et al. (2018) Novel model for the induction of postnatal murine hip deformity. J Orthop Res :
Todd, Jocelyn N; Maak, Travis G; Ateshian, Gerard A et al. (2018) Hip chondrolabral mechanics during activities of daily living: Role of the labrum and interstitial fluid pressurization. J Biomech 69:113-120
Erdemir, Ahmet; Hunter, Peter J; Holzapfel, Gerhard A et al. (2018) Perspectives on Sharing Models and Related Resources in Computational Biomechanics Research. J Biomech Eng 140:
Maas, Steve A; LaBelle, Steven A; Ateshian, Gerard A et al. (2018) A Plugin Framework for Extending the Simulation Capabilities of FEBio. Biophys J 115:1630-1637
Atkins, Penny R; Aoki, Stephen K; Whitaker, Ross T et al. (2017) Does Removal of Subchondral Cortical Bone Provide Sufficient Resection Depth for Treatment of Cam Femoroacetabular Impingement? Clin Orthop Relat Res 475:1977-1986
Maas, Steve A; Ateshian, Gerard A; Weiss, Jeffrey A (2017) FEBio: History and Advances. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 19:279-299
Knight, Spencer J; Abraham, Christine L; Peters, Christopher L et al. (2017) Changes in chondrolabral mechanics, coverage, and congruency following peri-acetabular osteotomy for treatment of acetabular retroversion: A patient-specific finite element study. J Orthop Res 35:2567-2576
Atkins, Penny R; Elhabian, Shireen Y; Agrawal, Praful et al. (2017) Quantitative comparison of cortical bone thickness using correspondence-based shape modeling in patients with cam femoroacetabular impingement. J Orthop Res 35:1743-1753
Harris, Michael D; MacWilliams, Bruce A; Bo Foreman, K et al. (2017) Higher medially-directed joint reaction forces are a characteristic of dysplastic hips: A comparative study using subject-specific musculoskeletal models. J Biomech 54:80-87
Klennert, Brenden J; Ellis, Benjamin J; Maak, Travis G et al. (2017) The mechanics of focal chondral defects in the hip. J Biomech 52:31-37

Showing the most recent 10 out of 56 publications