VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

376-1712-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Finite Element Analysis in Biomedical Engineering

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stephen J. Ferguson, Prof. Dr. Benedikt Helgason
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:04

Abstract

This course provides an introduction to finite element analysis, with a specific focus on problems and applications from biomedical engineering.

Objective

Finite element analysis is a powerful simulation method for the (approximate) solution of boundary value problems. While its traditional roots are in the realm of structural engineering, the methods have found wide use in the biomedical engineering domain for the simulation of the mechanical response of the human body and medical devices. This course provides an introduction to finite element analysis, with a specific focus on problems and applications from biomedical engineering. This domain offers many unique challenges, including multi-scale problems, multi-physics simulation, complex and non-linear material behaviour, rate-dependent response, dynamic processes and fluid-solid interactions. Theories taught are reinforced through practical applications in self-programmed and commercial simulation software, using e.g. MATLAB, ANSYS, FEBIO.

Content

(Theory) The Finite Element and Finite Difference methods Gallerkin, weighted residuals, discretization (Theory) Mechanical analysis of structures Trusses, beams, solids and shells, DOFs, hand calculations of simple FE problems, underlying PDEs (Application) Mechanical analysis of structures Truss systems, beam systems, 2D solids, meshing, organ level analysis of bones (Theory and Application) Mechanical analysis of structures Micro- and multi-scale analysis, voxel models, solver limitations, large scale solvers (Theory) Non-linear mechanical analysis of structures Large strain, Newton-Rhapson, plasticity (Application) Non-linear mechanical analysis of structures Plasticity (bone), hyperelasticity, viscoelasticity (Theory and Application) Contact analysis Friction, bonding, rough contact, implants, bone-cement composites, pushout tests (Theory) Flow in Porous Media Potential problems, Terzhagi's consolidation (Application) Flow in Porous Media Confined and unconfined compression of cartilage (Theory) Heat Transfer and Mass Transport Diffusion, conduction and convection, equivalency of equations (Application) Heat Transfer and Mass Transport Sequentially-coupled poroelastic and transport models for solute transport (Theory) Computational Biofluid Dynamics Newtonian vs. Non-Newtonian fluid, potential flow (Application) Computational Biofluid Dynamics Flow between micro-rough parallel plates

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts consisting of (i) lecturers' script, (ii) selected excerpts from relevant textbooks, (iii) selected excerpts from theory manuals of commercial simulation software, (iv) relevant scientific publications.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Non-programmable calculator.Nicht-programmierbarer Taschenrechner.
Exam counts 70%15% each include two mandatory tasks (problem solving and programming) with a small reportPrüfung zählt 70%je 15% zählen zwei obligatorische Aufgaben (Problemlösung und Programmierarbeit) mit einem kleinen Bericht

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Finite Element Analysis in Biomedical Engineering
  • Mon 14:15-16:00 (GLC E 29.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In