Biomechanic Systems (FSI-ZBS)

Academic year 2026/2027
Supervisor: prof. Ing. Martin Vrbka, Ph.D.  
Supervising institute: ÚK all courses guaranted by this institute
Teaching language: Czech
Course type: departmental course
Aims of the course unit:

After passing the subject, students will understand the mutual interaction of mechanics, tribology and selected biological systems, including the ability to be inspired by solutions created by nature (biomimetics).
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.

Learning outcomes and competences:
 
Prerequisites:
 
Course contents:

The subject provides theoretical and practical knowledge related to the design and function of selected biomechanical, biotribological, and biomimetic 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.

Teaching methods and criteria:
 
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes:
 
Controlled participation in lessons:
 
Type of course unit:
    Lecture  8 × 2 hrs. compulsory                  
    Laboratory exercise  6 × 2 hrs. compulsory                  
    Computer-assisted exercise  10 × 2 hrs. compulsory                  
Course curriculum:
    Lecture

- 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.
- Biomimetics – superhydrophobicity, superlubricity, and anisotropy of properties.
- Biotribology of soft contacts – tribological introduction, cartilage, eye, fascia.
- Design of biomechanical systems – a case study of implant design.

    Laboratory exercise - 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 - 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.
Literature - fundamental:
1. HALL, S. Basic Biomechanics 8th edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2018. ISBN10 1259913872.
2. ČIHÁK, R. Anatomie 1 – 3. vydání. Grada, 2011. ISBN 9788024738178.
3. BRONZINO, J.D., D.R. PETERSON. Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals 2nd edition, CRC Press, 2018. ISBN 9781138748071
4. SOSNA A., FULÍN P., POKORNÝ D., KRBEC M., VLČEK M. Základy ortopedie a traumatologie pohybového aparátu. Triton, 2024. 978-80-7684-290-8.
The study programmes with the given course:
Programme Study form Branch Spec. Final classification   Course-unit credits     Obligation     Level     Year     Semester  
N-KSI-P full-time study --- no specialisation -- Cr,Ex 5 Compulsory 2 2 W
C-AKR-P full-time study CZS -- Cr,Ex 5 Elective 1 1 W