An investigation of the Fluid-Structure Interaction in articular cartilage across disparate scales

这个项目将把多个组件结合在一起，有效地描述不同尺度上软骨的流体-结构相互作用。将确定不同规模的模拟、实验验证和临床相关性的耦合的关键路径，并在必要时将具体重点放在建模方面。期望的结果是：-一个浸入纤维网络的3D微观模型，它准确地描述了软骨的行为。通过探索简单的Hookean弹簧、半柔性聚合物和生物聚合物来选择包含粘弹性的固体结构；-描绘微观模型的参数区域，从中可以忠实地描述宏观孔隙弹性的连续统方程中的必要项。确定所需的比例分离，并研究促进耦合的一系列机制；-通过加载软骨样本的实验来验证模型预测。将目前用于压缩多孔弹性材料的实验室方案扩展到软骨。在代表自然关节的操作条件下进行负荷与位移的测量；-临床医生在他们的指导下开发的技术的吸收，增强用于治疗关节健康的当前技术；-可修改的框架，以研究与流体通过可变形的多孔材料相关的其他感兴趣的系统。

This project will bring together multiple components to effectively describe the Fluid-Structure Interaction of cartilage across disparate scales. A critical path toward the coupling of simulations at different scales, experimental validation, and clinical relevance will be ascertained and specific focus placed on modelling aspects where necessary. The desired outcomes are: - A 3D microscopic model of immersed fibrous networks which accurately describes the behaviour of cartilage. Selection of the comprising viscoelastic solid structure by exploring simple Hookean springs, semi-flexible polymers, and biopolymers; - Delineated parameter regimes of microscale models from which the necessary terms in the continuum equations of macroscale poroelasticity can be faithfully described. Determine the separation of scales required and investigate a range of mechanisms to facilitate coupling; - Validation of model predictions by experimentation of cartilage samples under load. Extend current laboratory protocol for compression testing of poroelastic materials to cartilage. Perform measurements of load versus displacement for operating conditions representative of natural joints; - Uptake by clinicians of the techniques developed under their guidance, enhance the current technology used for the treatment of joint health; - A framework that can be modified to investigate other systems of interest related to fluid flow through deformable porous materials.