Biomechanics

It is advisable to have basic knowledge of Physics in the areas of: Kinematics of a particle and of systems of particles; Dynamics of a partcle and of of systems of particles.

It is advisable to have basic knowledge of Mathematics, in the areas of: Calculus; Integral and Differential Calculus; Linear Algebra, namely matrix calculus.

Theoretical lessons are aimed for theoretical exposition of the syllabus, and, whenever appropriate, are accompanied by illustrative examples intended for the consolidation of the subjects taught, which is further accomplished in tutorial supervision lessons, aimed for solving problems related to the syllabus.

Evaluation of acquired knowledge consists of the written tests in force in the evaluation regulation of ISEC.

Approval in the curricular unit is obtained if the classification in the written tests, listed for 20 points, is greater than or equal to 9.5 points.

This course aims to provide students with knowledge of the fundamental laws in the field of mechanics of the rigid and deformable bodies, with relevance in the field of Biomedical Engineering, which are fundamental for a better understanding of the biomechanical parameters in static and dynamic conditions, so as to enable students to better understand the loads on different parts of the human body, immobilization devices for therapeutic, as well as the analysis of orthopaedics prosthesis and devices involving biomechanical parameters.

The students must therefore gain skills in the different areas of Biomechanics lectured, know how to apply the acquired knowledge in concrete practical situations, interpret and discuss the physical meaning of numerical expressions and analyse in a critical way the results obtained in problem solving exercises, as well as be able to further deepen the knowledge in the field in an autonomous way.

Systems of forces and couples (revisions of mechanics; transformation of the center of torques of a system of forces; couples; equivalent systems of forces and couples, concurrent force systems, coplanar force systems, parallel force systems; translation of forces; central axis of torques).

Rigid body dynamics (motion of the mass center and 2nd Newton Law for the rotational movement).

Stress and strain (internal forces and torques, axial and shear forces; axial and shear stress, axial and shear strain, stress/strain diagrams and properties of materials, Poisson ratio, multiaxial stresses, stress, strain and stiffness tensors, coordinate transformation matrixes, Mohr circle, torsion, flexion; analysis of stress and strain of bodies subjected to arbitrary load distributions).

NAO