Towards modelling the dynamics of a 3D continuum‐mechanical two‐muscle musculoskeletal system

Abstract

AbstractComputational expenses restrict the usage of continuum mechanics in modelling (parts of) the musculoskeletal system, although, continuum mechanics would provide the possibility to represent the complex mechanical behaviour of a muscle‐tendon complex (MTC). This work provides an overview on a modelling framework, which aims to achieve forward‐dynamics simulations of musculoskeletal systems by coupling three‐dimensional continuum‐mechanical‐based finite element simulations to rigid‐body simulations based on a simplified two‐muscle upper arm model. Here, the focus is on implementing a sophisticated representation of the skeletal MTC and tissue‐bone interaction. The three‐dimensional continuum‐mechanical description of the skeletal muscle is described within the framework of finite elasticity. To model the MTC, two additional parameters are introduced providing the possibility to describe muscle tissue, tendon tissue, and soft tissue within one set of constitutive equations. Further, a realistic fibre orientation for the skeletal muscles and contact mechanics between the muscles and the bones is considered. For different elbow flexion angle positions, the muscles' mechanical state is compared with and without considering contact mechanics. (© 2013 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)