Biomechanics is the study of the structure, function and motion of the mechanical aspects of biological systems, at any level from whole organism, organs, cells, and cell organelles, using the methods of mechanics. Biomechanics includes experimental and computational aspects, and has a wide number of application, including tissue/cell engineering, sports biomechanics, rehabilitation, and cardiovascular biomechanics.
Researchers at Florida Tech use experimental and computational approaches to characterize biomaterials, devising novel medical devices and the treatment strategies, and improve our understanding of cardiovascular diseases and therapies.
Experimental/Computational Mechanics of Soft Materials
Bio-Mechanics Laboratory | Linixia Gu, Ph.D.
Experimental/computational mechanics of soft materials (Artery, Brain, Optic Nerve Head, Polymers, Composites, etc.) with focus on the interface mechanics.
Orthodontics Design/Elastograph
Dr. Dong's Biomechanics Lab | Pengfei Dong, Ph.D.
In our lab, we focus on biomechanics, with a focus on multiscale mechanical characterization of biomaterials, computational methods for optimal orthodontics design, and elastography methods for biomaterials. Our lab has cutting-edge equipment for the mechanical characterization of biomaterials at different length scales, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation, uniaxial/biaxial tensile, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) test. These tests will enhance the understanding of the connection between the microstructure and mechanical behavior of the biomaterials. We also focus on the simulation of the tooth movement following the implantation of orthodontic devices such as Invisalign, JVBarre, and Carrier Motion 3D, aim to provide the optimal design of these medical devices. The in-vivo mechanical characterization of biomaterials with imaging method, elastography, have adopted in clinics. Our lab will use computational tools for developing the inverse algorithm for elastography methods quantifying the complex mechanical behaviors of biomaterials, such as anisotropic and viscosity behavior.
Multiscale Cardiovascular Fluids Laboratory
Multiscale Cardiovascular Fluids Laboratory | Venkat Keshav Chivukula, Ph.D.
In our lab, we focus on understanding blood flow (hemodynamics) under healthy and pathological conditions to understand, detect, diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. We work closely with clinicians, thereby ensuring that our research is always patient-focused. We use a combination of tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of blood flow, virtual surgery and optimization, reduced order modeling of the cardiovascular system, predictive modeling, 3D printing and rapid prototyping. I envision a future where personalized medicine will deliver on its promise and I plan to contribute towards it by incorporating synergistic and interdisciplinary technologies that improve patient outcomes.