Biomedical Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-13-2025

Abstract

Injured ligaments are often repaired with tendon grafts which may over or under constrain the joint; there is a need for an artificial graft option with the mechanical properties of a native ligament. Crimped fibers within ligaments allow for recruitment which means the viscoelastic properties of stress relaxation and creep are not inversely related. A feasibility study using ACLs and large-scale crimp models to study viscoelasticity, led to an in-depth analysis of the scapholunate interosseous ligament. Using the Modified Kelvin spring-dashpot model, for describing viscoelasticity with a variable stiffness property (time dependent fiber recruitment), we defined the relationship between creep and stress relaxation and verified its accuracy with experimental data. Seven biocompatible polymers, two additive manufacturing technologies, and three crimp types were evaluated for use in recreating an artificial ligament. Two crimp types were combined to successfully show an increase in stiffness under static axial load (recruitment) and an overall decrease in strain during cyclic loading. The data verifies successful creation of an artificial ligament sample with the recruitment properties found in native ligaments.

Language

English

Keywords

Viscoelasticity, Fiber Recruitment, Ligament, Additive Manufacturing, Graft, 3D Printing

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biomedical Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Biomedical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Mahmoud Reda Taha, PhD

Second Committee Member

Heather Canavan, PhD

Third Committee Member

Deana Mercer, MD

Fourth Committee Member

Yu-Lin Shen, PhD

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