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PhD Fekete - SZIE version - 2.2 - Szent István Egyetem

PhD Fekete - SZIE version - 2.2 - Szent István Egyetem

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Materials and Methods<br />

3.6. The new numerical-kinematical model<br />

3.6.1. Introduction<br />

The currently applied numerical approaches in contact mechanics can be divided into two main<br />

groups: Finite Element Method and approaches based on Multibody dynamics.<br />

The Finite Element Method is undisputedly the most powerful numerical method in the field of<br />

contact mechanics. It is well suited for particularly high accuracy requirements but with that, a<br />

very high computational effort is coupled for contact treatment that causes some practical<br />

difficulties e.g. very long computation times, divergence problems, etc.<br />

In certain situation when a modestly decreased accuracy is suitable and deformation is not<br />

primarily in interest, multibody approach can also model the contact with acceptable precision<br />

and considerably less computational effort compared to Finite Element methods.<br />

In addition, considering the practicality how multibody software can deal with very complex<br />

geometries in dynamic contact situations, it is a suitable choice for modelling the knee joint<br />

during squatting.<br />

As for the software, MSC.ADAMS has been chosen to carry out kinematical and kinetical<br />

simulations. MSC.ADAMS is worldwide used program that helps engineers to study moving<br />

parts, elements, or even complete systems and improve their performances.<br />

In contrast with simple CAD systems, MSC.ADAMS incorporates real physics by<br />

simultaneously solving linear or non-linear Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) and nonlinear<br />

Differential-Algebraic Equations (DAE) for kinematics, statics, quasi-statics, and<br />

dynamics.<br />

3.6.2. Limitations and advancements of the model<br />

In this part of the thesis, the investigation is restricted to the sliding-rolling ratio and the contact<br />

kinetics under standard squat movement. The new numerical-kinematical model includes some<br />

simplifications as follows:<br />

a) The bones, such as the tibia, patella and femur were assumed as rigid bodies, since the<br />

influence of deformation in this study is neglected,<br />

b) The patellar tendon modelled as an inextensible spring,<br />

c) The quadriceps is modelled as one single linear spring,<br />

d) No cruciate ligaments were modelled.<br />

The new model complements the earlier models in some extent, thus it holds new features:<br />

α<br />

β<br />

γ<br />

δ<br />

The numerical-kinematical model is three-dimensional, based on commercial prosthesis<br />

geometries,<br />

Both lateral and medial sliding-rolling ratio can be studied due to the three dimensional<br />

surfaces,<br />

Realistic friction condition is considered between the contact surfaces e.g. patellofemoral<br />

and tibiofemoral connection,<br />

Kinetical investigation is also possible with this model.<br />

– 108 –

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