Beyond the Poroelastic Continuum Approach: Articular Cartilage, Lubrication, and Synovial Joints

This talk will explore continuum scale solutions to articular cartilage in lubricated synovial joints and go on to investigate the potential for multiscale modelling of the material.

Articular cartilage (AC) is formed from a solid porous matrix intestinally filled with fluid, it is found in synovial joints in which it aids in reducing friction and maintaining healthy lubrication at the contacting interface. Conventionally a continuum approach to the mechanical behaviour of AC has been employed to describe the poroelastic response of the material in operation. This is prohibitive because AC is an inherently multiscale material in which the pore-scale mechanics directly influence the material-scale behaviour, and this cannot be described by the continuum approach (single-scale) alone. At a sub-micron scale the solid matrix is comprised of a network of collagen fibres with varying orientation, thickness, and elastic properties. The pores formed by these tortuous fibrous networks are filled with synovial fluid and a Fluid-Structure Interaction occurs to generate the poroelastic response. Immersed fibrous network modelling will be outlined and routes for coupling these pore-scale simulations with that of the overall material will be discussed.  

Guest speaker: Dr Gregory de Boer, School of Mechanical Engineering, University to Leeds

This talk will take place online on Zoom, click here to join: Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 890 9432 6930
Passcode: EuK7+p