Development of continuum beam elements for the Achilles tendon modeling

Abstract

Finite element analysis is a robust and effective tool for studying soft tissues and living systems. It can analyze them despite their sophisticated forms, and the results provide crucial information. However, the computational simulation is still a time-consuming task, and researchers are required to apply significant simplifications to the models. Therefore, it is important to reduce or even avoid such simplifications and be computationally efficient.

This dissertation develops nonlinear continuum finite beam elements based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). A number of numerical tests were performed under large static deformations within that formulation and accompanied by various features, such as time dependency and tissue degradation.

The broad objective of this study is to provide a way for the general analysis of beam-like structures. Such structures might have arbitrary cross sections, demonstrate nonlinear material response accompanied by viscoelastic features, and even show significant microstructure influence. The particular objective is to describe the Achilles sub-tendon with a finite beam element, making the analysis more computationally efficient.