Course detail

Biomechanic Systems

FSI-ZBSAcad. year: 2025/2026

The subject provides theoretical and practical knowledge related to the design and function of selected biomechanical systems. The attention is paid to the understanding of the interaction of mechanics, tribology and biology. The lectures aim to ensure understanding of the connection between engineering and biological disciplines in a wider context. The course follows the subjects of the bachelor's study in the fields of the strength of material, machine design and material sciences. Teaching is carried out in collaboration with Orthopaedic clinic of Faculty hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering CTU in Prague, College of Polytechnics Jihlava and medical cluster CZECHIMPLANT.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Martin Vrbka, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge from the strength of materials, machine design and material sciences at the level of bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Conditions for obtaining credit: submission of a semester project aimed at analysing the selected biochemical system in the form of five reports (max. 60 points).
Conditions for obtaining final exam: successful passing of individual examination of the topic related to the lectures (max. 40 points).
Maximum possible points are 100; final classification is given according to ECTS scale.


Lectures: participation is mandatory and checked by the teacher. Exercises: participation is mandatory and checked by the teacher, maximum of two absences. In case of long-term absence, compensation for missed classes is in the competence of the subject guarantor.

Aims

After passing the subject, students will understand the mutual interaction of mechanics, tribology and selected biological systems.
Knowledge of the main principles of biological systems. Understanding the interaction of engineering and biology. Ability to apply the knowledge of mechanics when designing and solving selected biomechanical and biotribological systems. Ability to consider considerable effects of biological environment on system function.

Study aids

Study materials will be provided at the beginning of the semester via Moodle or MS Teams platforms.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

HALL, S. Basic Biomechanics 8th edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2018. ISBN10 1259913872. (EN)
BRONZINO, J.D., D.R. PETERSON. Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals 2nd edition, CRC Press, 2018. ISBN 9781138748071 (EN)
ČIHÁK, R. Anatomie 1 – 3. vydání. Grada, 2011. ISBN 9788024738178. (CS)
SOSNA A., FULÍN P., POKORNÝ D., KRBEC M., VLČEK M. Základy ortopedie a traumatologie pohybového aparátu. Triton, 2024. 978-80-7684-290-8. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-KSI-P Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

16 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Martin Vrbka, Ph.D.

Syllabus

- Introduction to the course, biomechanical systems and biotribology.
- Musculoskeletal system – anatomy, material properties, motorics, kinematics, load.
- Human biomechanics I – history and basis of biomechanics, motion biomechanics.
- Human biomechanics II – materials and tissue biomechanics.
- Implants and implantology – design, materials, production, usage.
- Biotribology of joint implants – hip and knee replacements.
- Biotribology of soft contacts – tribological introduction, cartilage, eye, fascia.
- Design of biomechanical systems – a case study of implant design.

Laboratory exercise

12 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Martin Vrbka, Ph.D.

Syllabus

- Biotribological analysis of hip joint replacement – experimental analysis of friction coefficient.
- Biotribological analysis of hip joint replacement – experimental analysis of lubricant film.

Computer-assisted exercise

20 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Martin Vrbka, Ph.D.

Syllabus

- Assignment of semester project and its analysis.
- Releasement of a human lower limb.
- Analysis of hip joint load.
- Strain-stress analysis of a femoral component of THR using FEM.
- Contact analysis of head and cup of THR using FEM.
- Biotribological analysis of friction and lubrication of THR – analytical calculation of friction moment, prediction of film thickness and lubrication parameter.