The long-term goal of the proposed research is to develop an analytical cartilage growth model that may serve as a paradigm for the growth of tissue engineered constructs. Ultimately, this may lead to a better understanding of the processes of cartilage growth, degeneration, and repair. The general objective is to refine a cartilage growth finite element model (CGFEM) to more accurately characterize the biomechanics of growing cartilage. The first aim is to refine the CGFEM by incorporating the phenomena of collagen remodeling and cellular proliferation and, consequently, to solve an in vitro growth boundary-value problem corresponding to a steady-state permeation protocol. The second aim is to obtain experimental data for an in vitro growth experiment with a steady-state permeation protocol to determine input parameters and to calibrate the CGFEM. A secondary aim is to enhance research in a predominantly undergraduate engineering program by engaging students in biomedical research.
