Biomechanics

Biomechanics is a rapidly developing research theme with the Department, reflecting the growing number of mechanical engineers whose work sits at the interface between engineering and the life sciences.

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Much of the Biomechanics research within Mechanical Engineering is focused on computational modelling of human anatomy and physiology.

Recent work, originated by the EPSRC funded Frontier research award MultiSim, has focused on multi-scale modelling of the neuromusculoskeletal system to aid research in a variety of pathologies, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and sarcopenia.

Another key research area is mechanobiology, examining the mechanical properties of cells and tissues, in particular, the effect of mechanical stimuli on biological response.

Last but not least, other research staff are applying fluid mechanics research to physiological systems, such as studying flow through the small intestine and the cardiovascular system.

The work carried out by the team in the department is also key to the University’s Insigneo Institute for in silico medicine, where simulation technologies are used to develop the medical technologies of the future.

Experimental work, tightly coupled to the computational research, is carried out in our two advanced human movement and mechanobiology laboratories.


Research centres

INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine

The INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine develops computational models capable of predicting the health status of each individual. These models are used for the personalised prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, in a process that is fundamentally transforming healthcare. INSIGNEO is pursuing the scientific ambition behind the Virtual Physiological Human initiative.

Visit the INSIGNEO website


Our experts

The group also involves members from other Departments across the University of Sheffield:

 

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