Development of dynamic analysis approach for mechano-electrochemical behavior of articular cartilage under mechanical environment in human body

本研究旨在建立人体关节软骨在力学环境下力学电化学行为的动态分析方法。首先，建立了膝关节有限元模型，改进了接触分析算法；根据行走和地面反力的实测数据，估算关节内肌肉的受力，为膝关节有限元分析提供合理的载荷条件。此外，考虑到关节软骨的不均匀性和各向异性，进行了力学电化学分析。证实了软骨各向异性对应力、应变分布、间质液流动和离子流动的影响。研究了软骨退变与材料性能变化的关系。

The purpose of this work was to develop the dynamic analysis approach for mechano-electrochemical behavior of articular cartilage under mechanical environment in human body. First, the finite element model of knee joint was constructed and contact analysis algorithm was improved. Based on the measured data of walking and ground reaction force, the muscle forces in the joint were estimated and thus provided reasonable load conditions for knee finite element analysis. Furthermore, the mechano-electrochemical analysis was carried out by taking the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of the articular cartilage in to account. The influence of the anisotropy of cartilage on the distributions of stress, strain, flow of interstitial fluid and ion flow was confirmed. The dependence of cartilage degeneration on the changes of the material properties was examined.