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Biomechanics

Biomechanics is a specialization within biomedical engineering that involves the application of engineering mechanics to the study of biological tissues and physiological systems. When most people first think of biomechanics the way we move or the strength of bones generally comes to mind but many other aspects are included in this diverse field of study including:

• Dynamics - analysis of human movement including walking, running, and throwing.
• Statics - determination of the magnitude and nature of forces in joints, bones, muscles and implanted prostheses, and characterization of the mechanical properties of the tissues in our bodies.
• Fluid mechanics - analysis flow of blood through arteries and air through the lung.

Biomechanics research has improved our understanding of, among other things:

• Design and manufacturing of medical instruments, devices for disabled persons, artificial replacements, and implants.
• Human performance in the workplace and in athletic competition.
• Normal and pathological human and animal locomotion.
• The mechanical properties of hard and soft tissues.
• Neuromuscular control.
• The connection between blood flow and arteriosclerosis.
• Air flow and lung pathology.
• The effects of mechanical loads on cellular mechanics and physiology.
• Morphogenesis, growth, and healing.
• The mechanics of biomaterials.
• Engineering of living replacement tissue (tissue engineering).

More Information...

For undergraduate students: If you are interested in developing an undergraduate program of study in Biomechanics, you should consult both the general advising guidelines and the specific guidelines for biomechanics. You should also read about projects and research opportunities in biomechanics to learn more about the type of research being done at WPI and UMMS. If you require more general information about career and educational options, please read the general discussion about What is BME?. For a full description of the undergraduate program in BME, please see the section on undergraduate programs.

For graduate students: Graduate students should consult the graduate programs section and read about the individual faculty research being done in the area of Biomedical Sensors and Instrumentation here at WPI and at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS). Because the most important component of a graduate education is research, you should pay particular attention to the different research opportunities available to you in the area biomechanics. For a full description of the graduate program in BME, please see the section on graduate programs.

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Last modified: August 21, 2008 13:44:02