Development of a planar multibody model of the human knee joint

The aim of this work is to develop a dynamic model for the biological human knee joint. The model is formulated in the framework of multibody systems methodologies, as a system of two bodies, the femur and the tibia. For the purpose of describing the formulation, the relative motion of the tibia with respect to the femur is considered. Due to their higher stiffness compared to that of the articular cartilages, the femur and tibia are considered as rigid bodies. The femur and tibia cartilages are considered to be deformable structures with specific material characteristics. The rotation and gliding motions of the tibia relative to the femur cannot be modeled with any conventional kinematic joint, but rather in terms of the action of the knee ligaments and potential contact between the bones. Based on medical imaging techniques, the femur and tibia profiles in the sagittal plane are extracted and used to define the interface geometric conditions for contact. When a contact is detected, a continuous nonlinear contact force law is applied which calculates the contact forces developed at the interface as a function of the relative indentation between the two bodies. The four basic cruciate and collateral ligaments present in the knee are also taken into account in the proposed knee joint model, which are modeled as nonlinear elastic springs. The forces produced in the ligaments, together with the contact forces, are introduced into the system’s equations of motion as external forces. In addition, an external force is applied on the center of mass of the tibia, in order to actuate the system mimicking a normal gait motion. Finally, numerical results obtained from computational simulations are used to address the assumptions and procedures adopted in this study.     

A new nonlinear multibody/finite element formulation for knee joint ligaments

The focus of this investigation is to study the mechanics of the human knee using a new method that integrates multibody system and large deformation finite element algorithms. The major bones in the knee joint consisting of the femur, tibia, and fibula are modeled as rigid bodies. The ligaments structures are modeled using the large displacement finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) with an implementation of a Neo-Hookean constitutive model that allows for large change in the configuration as experienced in knee flexion, extension, and rotation. The Neo-Hookean strain energy function used in this study takes into consideration the near incompressibility of the ligaments. The ANCF is used in the formulation of the algebraic equations that define the ligament/bone rigid connection. A unique feature of the ANCF model developed in this investigation is that it captures the deformation of the ligament cross section using structural finite elements such as beams. At the ligament/bone insertion site, the ANCF is used to define a fully constrained joint. This model will reflect the fact that the geometry, placement and attachment of the two collateral ligaments (the LCL and MCL), are significantly different from what has been used in most knee models developed in previous investigations. The approach described in this paper will provide a more realistic model of the knee and thus more applicable to future research studies on ligaments, muscles and soft tissues (LMST). Current finite element models are limited due to simplified assumptions for the spatial and time dependent material properties inherent in the anisotropic and anatomic constraints associated with joint stability, and the static conditions inherent in the analysis. The ANCF analysis is not limited to static conditions and results in a fully dynamic model that accounts for the distributed inertia and elasticity of the ligaments. The results obtained in this investigation show that the ANCF finite elements can be an effective tool for modeling very flexible structures like ligaments subjected to large flexion and extension. In the future, the more realistic ANCF models could assist in examining the mechanics of the knee to study knee injuries and possible prevention means, as well as an improved understanding of the role of each individual ligament in the diagnosis and assessment of disease states, aging and potential therapies.     

多体系统动力学中关节效应模型的研究进展

在一般的多体系统动力学研究中认为运动关节是理想运动副. 然而,实际中的运动关节不仅含有间隙与摩擦,还有间隙引起的关节元素之间的接触碰撞、局部变形和磨损. 多体系统动力学中的关节效应不仅引起了系统的振动和噪声,减小了系统的可靠性和寿命,而且损失了系统的精度和稳定性. 为此,对近十几年多体系统动力学中关节效应的研究进行了详细分析,总结了关节效应中间隙运动学模型、接触力模型与磨损模型在多体系统动力学中的建模过程. 其中,着重分析了多体系统动力学中关节磨损效应的研究进展,并对常用的Reye'shypothesis 和Archard 磨损模型进行了比较,详细地分析了Archard 磨损模型的演变形式以及主要磨损参数(接触应力,接触面积和滑移距离),特别分析了关键磨损参数接触应力的建模方法,解释了基于Winkler 弹性基础理论在求解接触应力时遇到的困难. 另外,介绍了4 种间隙运动副(转动副、移动副、圆柱副和球面副) 的运动学模型. 分析了考虑关节磨损多体系统动力学模型的一般建模方法,并以平面五杆机构为例说明了其建模过程.最后,简要地展望了多体系统动力学中关节效应模型的发展趋势以及应用前景.      

维生素 E型人工膝关节在ISO标准步态与上楼梯运动下的磨损情况对比

为研究人工膝关节假体在ISO标准步态与上楼梯运动负载下的摩擦磨损情况,通过对日常活动频次及动力学和运动学的研究与分析,基于人工膝关节磨损试验机,以新型Vitamin E型人工膝关节为对象进行500万次标准步态磨损测试加200万次上楼梯运动磨损测试. 结果表明正常步态阶段的磨损率为4.34 mg/mc,上楼梯运动阶段的磨损率为5.95 mg/mc. 上楼梯运动相比标准步态对半月板衬垫的磨损量造成更大的影响,半月板衬垫表面形貌相较标准步态磨损后表面形貌也发生了显著变化,出现了条纹图案和局部凹陷,这种表面形貌结果更接近于临床半月板衬垫取出物的表面形貌,目前对于人工膝关节假体的标准磨损测试方式不够全面,需要进一步改进整个测试的方案才能更好地体现体外磨损测试的意义.      

人体肌骨的多柔体系统动力学研究进展

人体肌肉骨骼系统简称肌骨系统, 包括骨骼、骨骼肌与关节连接, 其力学模型是典型的多柔体系统. 从多体动力学角度研究肌骨系统, 主要关注其在运动过程中的肌肉内力、关节力矩及产生的动力学影响, 属于动力学与生物力学的交叉融合. 肌骨系统的多体动力学模型已被广泛地应用于临床医学、竞技体育、军事训练、人机工程等诸多领域, 其仿真结果可为提高人体运动能力、降低关节载荷与能耗、避免运动损伤、加快康复进程等提供重要计算参考数据. 与此同时, 上述研究亦对肌骨动力学研究提出了许多新挑战. 本文综述了人体肌骨多柔体系统动力学相关研究进展, 包括骨骼肌功能解剖与生物力学建模、神经与肌肉控制理论、肌骨系统动力学问题与求解方法, 以及近年来肌骨多体动力学在步态分析、飞行员抗荷动作、口颌手术规划等领域的典型应用. 与工程领域的机械多体系统相比, 人体肌骨多体系统具有肌肉内力主动性与肌肉控制冗余性两大特征. 现有骨骼肌模型难以同时考虑肌肉的解剖结构、三维几何与肌力产生的生物化学机制. 已有大多数肌骨模型采用静态优化假设消除肌肉冗余性, 忽略了肌肉与肌腱内力平衡及兴奋收缩耦联机制. 此外, 目前仍缺乏实现肌骨模型个性化的无创在体测试手段. 未来, 人体肌骨多体动力学研究将会向更精确、智能、个性化的方向发展, 成为动力学与生物力学交叉的热点研究领域.      

Dynamic recursive decoupling method for closed-loop flexible mechanical systems

In this paper, a new method for the dynamic analysis of a closed-loop flexible kinematic mechanical system is presented. The kinematic and force models are developed using absolute reference, joint relative, and elastic coordinates as well as joint reaction forces. This recursive formulation leads to a system of loosely coupled equations of motion. In a closed-loop kinematic chain, cuts are made at selected auxiliary joints in order to form spanning tree structures. Compatibility conditions and reaction force relationships at the auxiliary joints are adjoined to the equations of open-loop mechanical systems in order to form closed-loop dynamic equations. Using the sparse matrix structure of these equations and the fact that the joint reaction forces associated with elastic degrees of freedom do not represent independent variables, a method for decoupling the joint and elastic accelerations is developed. Unlike existing recursive formulations, this method does not require inverse or factorization of large non-linear matrices. It leads to small systems of equations whose dimensions are independent of the number of elastic degrees of freedom. The application of dynamic decoupling method in dynamic analysis of closed-loop deformable multibody systems is also discussed in this paper. The use of the numerical algorithm developed in this investigation is illustrated by a closed-loop flexible four-bar mechanism.     

Dynamics and trajectory planning of a planar flipping robot

In this paper, a new planar one-legged robot model is firstly proposed, which, unlike previous one-legged robot with springy legs, consists of three revolute joints. Then a novel manner of one-legged locomotion (i.e., ballistic flip) is designed for this robot. A complete flipping gait cycle is composed of four phases: two stance phases and two flight phases. During flight phases, no active control is needed on the knee joint. Rotational motion and translational motion is decoupled from each other in flight phases. Landing of the robot is regarded as an inelastic impulsive impact. During stance phases, the robot model can be simplified as a two-degree-of-freedom rigid manipulator. Based on analysis of kinematics and dynamics of the flip robot, trajectory planning of cyclic flip gait is formulized as a problem of numerical optimization subject to nonlinear constraints such as positive reaction force of ground and finite torque of the joints. One potential application of the flipping robot is space exploration, which urgently requires the legged locomotive robots to be light-weighted and energy efficient.     

ACL单束/双束重建对多屈曲角位姿的胫股关节力学特性影响

进行膝关节的轴移仿真, 在证实了单例个体膝关节的重建模型能反映不同重建术后膝关节力学特性有效性的基础上, 应用SONATA MAESTRO 1.5T扫描得到的屈曲角位姿为0°/25°/60°/80° 的膝关节MRI图像数据, 建立了对应屈曲角的正常/ACL(anterior cruciate ligament)单束/双束重建胫股关节3D模型, 通过对该系列关节模型施加轴向压力与压扭载荷, 来分析多屈曲角度位姿的ACL单束/双束重建法对胫股关节软骨、半月板和韧带应力分布影响及韧带张力特性影响. 结果表明: (1) ACL单束/双束重建关节的软骨与半月板上的应力分布改变跟屈曲角度相关, 某些角度位姿下软骨应力分布改变显著; (2) 单束重建关节的软骨和半月板上的最大等效应力有较明显的增大, 最大增幅达40%左右; 双束重建关节在各屈曲角位姿下软骨和半月板上的最大等效应力值更接近于正常关节; (3) ACL单束重建虽降低了PCL(posterior cruciate ligament)的最大等效应力值, 却使高屈曲角位姿的内侧/外侧副韧带等效应力明显增大; 双束重建后MCL(medial collateral ligament)上的最大等效应力随屈曲角的变化明显, 但LCL(lateral collateral ligament)和PCL的最大等效应力随屈曲角度的变化趋势与正常关节相一致性; (4) 单束/双束重建后MCL上平均张力要高于另外两条韧带, 而双束重建的韧带张力特性比单束重建更接近于正常关节. 总之, 综合ACL重建后软骨、半月板和3条韧带随屈曲角度的等效应力分布、张力变化等多种特性表明: ACL双束重建的胫股关节力学特性比单束重建更接近于正常关节, 且无论ACL单束还是双束重建, 都引起术后关节软骨与韧带上应力分布变化与等效应力峰值增大, 这将是诱发术后关节慢性退变与膝关节并发症的根源.     

DYNAMIC MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF THE LOWER LIMB PROSTHESIS WITH FOUR-BAR LINKAGE PROSTHETIC KNEE$^{\bf 1)}$

相比于单轴式膝关节,四连杆膝关节具有更好的仿生特性和运动安全性,因而在下肢假肢研究中得到广泛关注. 本研究以一款四连杆膝关节被动假肢为研究对象,主要关注足-地交互作用力以及膝关节单边接触力等强非线性因素对下肢假肢步态的影响. 为此,采用 Kelvin-Voigt 模型和库伦模型描述足-地接触力和摩擦力,并采用 Kelvin-Voigt 模型描述膝关节单边接触力,从而基于第一类拉格朗日方程建立假肢动力学模型. 本研究以步态实验测得的髋关节运动数据为模型的驱动信号,针对假肢的步态特征进行了数值分析. 计算结果显示,当膝关节液压阻尼器的刚度较小时,强非线性作用力会使假肢产生显著的亚谐波响应,进而导致步态周期失谐. 进一步研究发现,提胯行为能够避免步态周期失谐,这也为残疾人行走时的提胯等代偿行为提供了一种新的力学解释. 为了评价假肢步态与健康人实测步态的一致性,本研究进一步定义了步态相关系数并分析了膝关节液压阻尼器刚度、阻尼参数对相关系数的影响. 结果表明,通过合理的刚度、阻尼参数设计,两者步态的相关系数可达到 0.9 以上,这为四连杆膝关节被动假肢进一步优化提供了理论支撑.     

A validated model for a pin-slot clearance joint

The numerical modeling of joints with a certain amount of clearance and a subsequent validation of the model are important for accurate multibody simulations. For such validated modeling, not only the kinematic constraints, but also the contact models, are important. If a joint has no clearance, it is assumed to be ideal. However, in real applications, there is frequently some clearance in the joints. Adding clearance and kinematic conditions to a pin-slot joint significantly increases the number of kinematic and contact parameters. Consequently, the resulting kinematics and the contact forces can vary significantly with regard to the selection of those parameters. This research covers the development of a validated model for a pin-slot clearance joint. Different kinematic constraints and contact models are discussed. The presented model is an experimentally validated one for a pin-slot clearance joint that is commonly used in safety-critical applications like electrical circuit breakers. Special attention is given to the Hertz, Kelvin–Voigt, Johnson, and Lankarani–Nikravesh contact models. When comparing different contact models within numerical approaches and comparing the results with experimental data, significant differences in the results were observed. With a validated model of a pin-slot clearance joint, a physically consistent numerical simulation was obtained.     

四连杆膝关节假肢的动力学建模与分析

相比于单轴式膝关节,四连杆膝关节具有更好的仿生特性和运动安全性,因而在下肢假肢研究中得到广泛关注. 本研究以一款四连杆膝关节被动假肢为研究对象,主要关注足-地交互作用力以及膝关节单边接触力等强非线性因素对下肢假肢步态的影响. 为此,采用 Kelvin-Voigt 模型和库伦模型描述足-地接触力和摩擦力,并采用 Kelvin-Voigt 模型描述膝关节单边接触力,从而基于第一类拉格朗日方程建立假肢动力学模型. 本研究以步态实验测得的髋关节运动数据为模型的驱动信号,针对假肢的步态特征进行了数值分析. 计算结果显示,当膝关节液压阻尼器的刚度较小时,强非线性作用力会使假肢产生显著的亚谐波响应,进而导致步态周期失谐. 进一步研究发现,提胯行为能够避免步态周期失谐,这也为残疾人行走时的提胯等代偿行为提供了一种新的力学解释. 为了评价假肢步态与健康人实测步态的一致性,本研究进一步定义了步态相关系数并分析了膝关节液压阻尼器刚度、阻尼参数对相关系数的影响. 结果表明,通过合理的刚度、阻尼参数设计,两者步态的相关系数可达到 0.9 以上,这为四连杆膝关节被动假肢进一步优化提供了理论支撑.      

A general method for impact dynamic analysis of a planar multi-body system with a rolling ball bearing joint

Impact affects the dynamic characteristics of mechanical multi-body systems and damages those rotating parts, such as the joint rolling element bearings, which are high-precision, defect intolerant components. Based on multi-body dynamic theory, Hertzian contact theory, and a continuous contact model, this study proposed a modelling method that can describe the dynamic behaviour of planar mechanical multi-body systems containing a rolling ball bearing joint under impact. In this method, the rigid bodies and bearing joint were connected according to their joint force constraints; the impact constraint between the multi-body system and the target rigid body was constructed using a continuous contact force model. Based on this method, the reflection relationship between the external impacts of the mechanical multi-body system and the variation law governing the dynamic load on the rolling bearing joint were revealed. Subsequently, an impact multi-body system, which was composed of a sliding–crank mechanism containing a rolling ball bearing joint and the target rigid body with an elastic support, was analysed to explore the dynamic response of such a complex discontinuous dynamic system andthe relevant relationship governing the dynamic load on the rolling bearing joint. In addition, a multi-body dynamic simulation software was used to build a virtual prototype of the impact slider–crank system. Compared with the theoretical model, the prototype had an additional deep groove ball bearing. That is to say, the prototype model took account of the specific geometric structural characteristics and the complex contact relationship of the inner and outer races, rolling balls, and bearing cage. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical method proposed in this study was verified by comparative analysis of the results. The results suggested that the external impact of a mechanical multi-body system was prone to induce sudden changes in the equivalent reaction force on its bearing joint and the dynamic load carried on its rolling balls. This study provided an effective method for exploring the distribution characteristics of dynamic loads on rolling ball bearing joints under working impact load conditions. Moreover, it offered support for the parameter optimisation of geometric structure, performance evaluation, and dynamic design of the rolling ball bearings.     

Vehicle Modeling Methods for Real-time Dynamic Simulation Using Suspension Composite Joints*

New vehicle modeling methods for real-time dynamic simulation using suspension composite joints are presented. The suspension composite joints are derived and utilized to reduce the computation time of the simulation without any degradation of kinematic accuracy of the suspension systems. The joints are modeled using massless links on the suspension members that have small masses but have important kinematic functions, and the kinematics of the knuckles or axles of suspension systems are derived. Three vehicle modeling methods are tested using the joints: kinematic steering, compliant tie-rod, and force driving steer vehicle models. The latter two are constructed to represent the steering compliance characteristics of a real vehicle. The accuracy of the simulation results of each vehicle model is verified through comparisons to the results of real vehicle field tests and simulation with an ordinary full multibody vehicle model. It is found that the simulation results using the proposed vehicle models are accurate, and real-time simulation is achieved on a computer with a single PowerPC 604 333 MHz processor with 1 millisecond of integration step size.     

The Effect of Limb Kinematics on the Speed of a Legged Robot on Granular Media

Achieving effective locomotion on diverse terrestrial substrates can require subtle changes of limb kinematics. Biologically inspired legged robots (physical models of organisms) have shown impressive mobility on hard ground but suffer performance loss on unconsolidated granular materials like sand. Because comprehensive limb–ground interaction models are lacking, optimal gaits on complex yielding terrain have been determined empirically. To develop predictive models for legged devices and to provide hypotheses for biological locomotors, we systematically study the performance of SandBot, a small legged robot, on granular media as a function of gait parameters. High performance occurs only in a small region of parameter space. A previously introduced kinematic model of the robot combined with a new anisotropic granular penetration force law predicts the speed. Performance on granular media is maximized when gait parameters utilize solidification features of the granular medium and minimize limb interference.     

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF TOTAL KNEE JOINT IN GAIT CYCLE

Based on CT scanning pictures from a volunteer＇s knee joint, a three-dimensional finite element model of the healthy human knee joint is constructed including complete femur, tibia, fibular, patellar and the main cartilage and ligaments. This model was validated using experimental and numerical results obtained from other authors. The pressure distribution of contact surfaces of knee joint are calculated and analyzed under the load action of ‘heel strike＇, ‘single limb stance＇ and ‘toe-off＇. The results of the gait cycle are that the contact areas of medial cartilage are larger than that of lateral cartilage; the contact force and contact areas would grow larger with the load increasing; the pressure of lateral meniscus is steady, relative to the significant variation of peak pressure in medial meniscus; and the peak value of contact pressure on all components are usually found at about 4570 of the gait cycle.     

BUFFER AND COMPLIANT DYNAMIC SURFACE CONTROL OF SPACE ROBOT CAPTURING SATELLITE BASED ON COMPLIANT MECHANISM$^{\bf 1)}$

研究了空间机器人在轨捕获非合作卫星过程避免关节受碰撞冲击破坏的缓冲从顺控制问题, 为此在机械臂与关节电机之间配置了一种柔性机构, 其作用在于: (1)在接触、碰撞阶段可通过其内置弹簧的变形来吸收被捕获卫星对空间机器人关节产生的冲击力矩; (2)在镇定运动阶段, 结合与之配合的缓冲从顺控制策略来适时开、关关节电机, 以保证关节受到的冲击力矩受限在安全范围. 首先, 利用多刚体系统理论获得配置柔性机构空间机器人及目标卫星分体系统动力学方程; 之后, 结合整个系统动量守恒关系, 捕获操作后系统运动几何关系及力的传递规律, 建立了两者形成联合体系统的动力学方程, 并计算了碰撞过程的冲击效应与冲击力. 为了实现失稳联合体系统的镇定控制, 提出了一种基于动态面的缓冲从顺控制方案. 上述控制方案可在实现吸收捕获操作产生的冲击力矩的同时, 还能在冲击力矩过大时适时开启、关闭关节电机, 以避免关节电机发生破坏; 此外, 动态面的引入避免了反演法存在的计算膨胀问题, 有效减少了计算量. 基于Lyapunov函数法证明了系统的稳定性, 并通过系统数值仿真结果验证了上述缓冲从顺控制策略的正确性.     

基于柔性机构捕捉卫星的空间机器人动态缓冲从顺控制

研究了空间机器人在轨捕获非合作卫星过程避免关节受碰撞冲击破坏的缓冲从顺控制问题, 为此在机械臂与关节电机之间配置了一种柔性机构, 其作用在于: (1)在接触、碰撞阶段可通过其内置弹簧的变形来吸收被捕获卫星对空间机器人关节产生的冲击力矩; (2)在镇定运动阶段, 结合与之配合的缓冲从顺控制策略来适时开、关关节电机, 以保证关节受到的冲击力矩受限在安全范围. 首先, 利用多刚体系统理论获得配置柔性机构空间机器人及目标卫星分体系统动力学方程; 之后, 结合整个系统动量守恒关系, 捕获操作后系统运动几何关系及力的传递规律, 建立了两者形成联合体系统的动力学方程, 并计算了碰撞过程的冲击效应与冲击力. 为了实现失稳联合体系统的镇定控制, 提出了一种基于动态面的缓冲从顺控制方案. 上述控制方案可在实现吸收捕获操作产生的冲击力矩的同时, 还能在冲击力矩过大时适时开启、关闭关节电机, 以避免关节电机发生破坏; 此外, 动态面的引入避免了反演法存在的计算膨胀问题, 有效减少了计算量. 基于Lyapunov函数法证明了系统的稳定性, 并通过系统数值仿真结果验证了上述缓冲从顺控制策略的正确性.      

On the microstructure of open-cell foams and its effect on elastic properties

Synthetic open-cell foams have a complex microstructure consisting of an interconnected network of cells resulting from the foaming process. The cells are irregular polyhedra with anywhere from 9 to 17 faces in nearly monodisperse foams. The material is concentrated in the nearly straight ligaments and in the nodes where they intersect. The mechanical properties of such foams are governed by their microstructure and by the properties of the base material. In this study micro-computed X-ray tomography is used to develop 3D images of the morphology of polyester urethane and Duocel aluminum foams with different average cell sizes. The images are used to establish statistically the cell size and ligament length distributions, material distributions along the ligaments, the geometry of the nodes and cell anisotropy. The measurements are then used to build finite element foam models of increasing complexity that are used to estimate the elastic moduli. In the most idealized model the microstructure is represented as a regular Kelvin cell. The most realistic models are based on Surface Evolver simulations of random soap froth with N³ cells in spatially periodic domains. In all models the cells are elongated in one direction, the ligaments are straight but have a nonuniform cross sectional area distribution and are modeled as shear deformable beams. With this input both the Kelvin cell models and the larger random foam models are shown to predict the elastic moduli with good accuracy but the random foams are 5–10% stiffer.     

Modeling 3D revolute joint with clearance and contact stiffness

The clearances in the kinematic joints are due to deformations, wear, and manufacturing errors; the accurate modeling of these effects in multibody analysis is a complex issue but in many practical applications, it is mandatory to take into them into account in order to understand the actual behavior of mechanical systems. In this paper, the authors present a general computer-aided model of a 3D revolute joint with clearance suitable for implementation in multibody dynamic solvers. While a perfect revolute joint imposes kinematic constraints, the proposed revolute joint with clearance leads to a force constraint. The revolute joint has been modeled by introducing a nonlinear equivalent force system, which takes into account the contact elastic deformations. The model depends on the structural and geometrical properties of materials in contact that have been investigated using finite element models. The purpose is to give a general approach to study the influence of actual joints on kinematic, dynamic, and structural behavior of mechanisms. The proposed model has been applied in dynamic simulations of a spatial slider-crank mechanism.     

Dynamic system of an engine with spatially rocking links: a mathematical model

A mathematical model of a diesel with swashplates is proposed. The results of studying its design, kinematics, and dynamics are presented. The kinematic chain of the statically determinate mechanism of the engine is schematized. The kinematic relations are obtained taking into account the presence of Hooke’s joints and swashplates. A mathematical model of the dynamic system of the engine is described. A numerical example is given. The kinematics and dynamic processes of the engine are studied