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376-1712-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL

Finite Element Analysis in Biomedical Engineering

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stephen J. Ferguson, Prof. Dr. Benedikt Helgason

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:06

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 (ETZ E 6)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
- Major Courses
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
  - Biomechanics
    - Track Core Courses (During the Master program, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- 01 - Courses of specializations
  - Track: Biomedical Engineering (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Biomedical Engineering", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Biomedical Engineering" but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
MAS in Medical Physics
- Specialisation in General Medical Physics
  - Major in Biomechanics
    - Core Courses
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Strength & Durability of Materials (MaP Doctoral School)
  - Sustainable & Bioinspired Materials (MaP Doctoral School)
Health Sciences and Technology Master
- Major in Medical Technology
  - Elective Courses