Evaluating the efficacy of a numerical model of a human anatomy joint

Abstract

The human knee joint has a three dimensional geometry with multiple body articulations that produce complex mechanical responses under loads that occur in everyday life and sports activities. Numerical tools such as the finite element analysis are suitable for such modeling and can be used with success by students as well as experienced researchers alike. These tools have been used to develop an accurate human knee joint model to study its mechanical behavior, as part of an advanced undergraduate final year project in a mechanical engineering department. To evaluate the effectiveness of this articulated model, static load cases were used for comparison purposes.