The application of the finite element method in the biomechanics of the human upper limb and of some prosthetic components

Abstract

The inclusion of analytical and experimental models in biomechanical studies leads to the obtainment of important data for the research concerning the human skeleton, its traumas and diseases. The paper showcases a number of results regarding the static and dynamic analysis of some biomechanical components by using the finite element method (FEM). Models, representing parts of the human upper limb, have been studied using static trials. Considering the fact that we wish to emphasize the way in which such analyses can be done with a finite element method, we shall present only a few relevant examples for which we have experimental data, namely: analysis of the compression, bending and stretching of the humerus and bending of the radius and the ulna. Another study was carried out in order to determine the dynamic behavior of the model for total arm prosthesis, using FEM. The models were created with the aid of the SolidWorks program and the trials with the HyperMesh program.