29 fév 2024
13:00 à 14:00
Bio-Inspired joint design: Exploiting Morphogenesis and Evolutionary Adaptations of Synovial Joints
Kalenia MARQUEZ-FLOREZ (Postdoc Equipe SBI); Amphi FSS

Abstract:

Synovial joints have evolved in shape, dimensions, and tissue characteristics to endure a lifetime of load cycles while minimizing energy loss. Why not draw inspiration from these joints for mechanical design? Given that tissue characteristics are virtually uniform across all taxa and joints, it is the geometry (shape and dimensions) that adapts to the locomotion of each animal. In this talk, I will discuss how we explore the geometrical design principles of synovial joints to apply them to engineering joint design. For shape, we developed a generative design methodology inspired by the synovial joint morphogenesis process to shape contacting surfaces. In this process, cartilaginous bone rudiments grow locally, guided by hydrostatic and shear stress distributions. By mimicking these growth rules in an engineering context, we observed that it is viable to adapt contact surfaces to ensure uniform pressure distribution. Regarding dimensions, we formulated engineering joint sizing guidelines based on biological joint allometry. This involved analyzing the distal humerus dimensions of 110 quadrupedal animals and correlating them with the dynamic conditions experienced during galloping. Our findings indicate that joint dimensions have evolved across taxa to maintain consistent pressure, sliding speed, and fluid film lubrication, which are beneficial for tissue maintenance. This work provides insights into natural joint function, guiding the design of bio-inspired joints.