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Engineering Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Mechanical Engineering

Brigham Young University

Theses and Dissertations

2012

Finite element analysis

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

The Biomechanical Implications Of An Intrinsic Decompressive Pre-Load On A Posterior Dynamic Stabilization System, Jeffrey Ellis Harris Jul 2012

The Biomechanical Implications Of An Intrinsic Decompressive Pre-Load On A Posterior Dynamic Stabilization System, Jeffrey Ellis Harris

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of applying an intrinsic decompressive pre-load to a particular dynamic stabilization device on the biomechanical response of the lumbar spine. The FlexSPAR, which supports this ability, was used as a test case. A finite element model of a full lumbar spine was developed and validated against experimental data, and tested in the primary modes of spinal motion. The model was used to compare five lumbar spine test cases: healthy, degenerate, implanted with a pre-loaded device, implanted with a device without a pre-load, and implanted with rigid fixators. Results indicated that …


Biomechanical Implications Of Lumbar Spinal Ligament Transectiona Finite Element Study, Gregory Allen Von Forell Jan 2012

Biomechanical Implications Of Lumbar Spinal Ligament Transectiona Finite Element Study, Gregory Allen Von Forell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this work was to determine the possible effects of isolated spinal ligament transection on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine. A finite element model of a lumbar spine was developed and validated against experimental data. The model was tested in the primary modes of spinal motion in the intact condition, followed by comparative analysis of isolated removal of each spinal ligament. Results showed that stress increased in the remaining ligaments once a ligament was removed, potentially leading to ligament damage. Results also showed changes in bone remodeling "stimulus" which could lead to changes in bone density. Isolated …