​Development of an automated parametric spine modeling and analysis workbench

This project is coordinate jointly by the Yeditepe University, Istanbul (Turkey) and COMSATS Institute, Wah Cantt (Pakistan). It utilizes open-source software for CAD, FEA, meshing and visualisation software. The main objectives is to develop a feature-based parametric spinal modeling platform, including algorithms, software tools and methods, which will enable in-silico builds and testing of spinal models.
Methods: Finite Element Method, Computer-Aided Design, Python Scripting, Mesh Generation
Collaborators: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid, Professor Dr. Başar Atalay
Students: Oğulcan Güldeniz (undergrad), Kaan Yamak (undergrad f'16), Merve Apaydın (undergrad f'14), Fatih Okuyucu (f'15) 

Development of an active single-fiber muscle element

Goal: Based on the Gasser-Ogden-Holzapfel model of muscle tissue utilizing an anisotropic, neo-hookean hyperelastic, incompressible material model; we aim to simulate the electrical stimulation of frog gastrocnemius. This project uses the distributed moment approach by Zahalak for muscle activation. Activities range from fortran programming (gfortran) and debugging (gdb) in emacs, to imaging and registration of frog gastrocnemius muscle fibres .
Methods: Finite Element Method, Programming in Fortran, FEAP
Funding: TUBITAK 114M574
Collaborators: MA Akgün, N Çıplak
Students: Mert Gunay (grad), Volkan Karadag (phd student), Arda Calisiyor (undergrad f'16), Sercan Satana (s'16)

Biomechanics of the lower extremity

Even the model of a simple looking isolated femur may be quite a daunting task. The reason? Well, we do not really have the ability to transfer our knowledge gathered in the field of physiology into the appropriate mathematical form known as finite element analysis.  Thus, we are forced to make simplifications and eliminate a large part of that knowledge in building these mathematical models. Then the question becomes which part of that knowledge is more important and relevant, such that the model that is built behaves as the system that is being simulated.  
And why do we do this anyway? Move on to the next article below.
Collaborators: Rıza Bayoglu (PhD Candidate, University of Twente)

Biomedical implant design

We have all probably heard about the use of a plate in the fixation of a seriously fractured bone. There is indeed much more when one dives in to the world of biomedical implants and technologies. Take the intramedullary skeletal distractor, for example. 
The design, development and prototype manufacturing of an intramedullary distractor device was held in our department until the San-Tez funded project ended in 2012. This project was jointly conducted with Arslan Makina, a manufacturer of precision molding who wanted to initiate market-presence in the field of biomedical technologies. Currently, modeling and testing efforts are still underway. 
The models are being tested in-silico (meaning in a virtual, computer-based setting), using the ADINA software as the finite element analysis platform of choice.
Funding: Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology, San-tez.
Collaborators: Assoc. Prof. Koray Şafak

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