Importance and aims of the research
Biomechanics science is interested in studying the dynamic function and the
movement of vital tissues depending on their mechanical properties.
The main objective of this research is to design a digital model of
the human femur
using the engineering software specialized in medical image processing and engineering
design in order to simulate the mechanical behavior. This would provide important medical
information to orthopedic surgeons concerning the paths and the causes of bone fractures
and deformities, and open a new perspectives in prosthetics efficiency enhancement.
Materials and methods
A three dimensional digital model of the femur was produced using the software
DeVIDE v 9.8 for medical image processing. A surface triangular mesh was constructed
and the mechanical response of the model has been simulated using Ansys 14.5.
Results and discussions
We have shown the steps necessary to design a computerized model of femur bone
on the basis of three-dimensional X-ray images. The results showed the distribution of
stresses and displacements of human femur at normal load conditions.
Conclusion and recommendations
It is recommended to adopt the specialized engineering software for the threedimensional
simulation which can be used in different medical applications.
Damascus is located at the southern part of Syria not far from the Dead sea
fault system, in particular from one of its branches the Sergayah fault. The
latter in particular is a quite active fault system and the main seismic source for
both destr
uctive historical events felt and instrumental seismicity recorded in
Damascus. To model seismic ground motion in Damascus plain and to estimate
its amplifications we use a 2-D hybrid method coupling modal summation with
finite differences. This techniques allows to compute ground motion in
laterally heterogeneous an elastic media. Synthetic seismograms with a cutoff
frequency of 5 Hz are created along one 2-D profile passing through the city of
Damascus for possible seismic source with assumed magnitudes around 6.5
located on the Sergayah fault. The average regional structural model and the
laterally heterogeneous parts of the profiles have been derived from detailed
geological and geotechnical data available for the investigated area. From the
computations we can infer that the maximum ground motion amplification
values in Damascus plain are generally found at frequencies around 1 Hz and 4
Hz. In addition for assessing liquefaction potential in Damascus plain tow
methods have been used. first one evaluated roughly liquefaction potential
based on topographical and geological information and the second one based on
geotechnical data such as N- value, grain size and estimated peak ground
acceleration to calculate a liquefaction resistance factor, FL. and liquefaction
potential index, IL. We found that IL exceeds 15 which mean probable sever
liquefaction.
