By theoretically performing the design iterations on the computer, we save a great deal of time and money. A more recent Apogee project is patella , or kneecap, replacements. Pollock says they are typically made of a laminate, with a polyethylene part in contact with the tissue and a metallic part that meshes into the bone. We are trying to see if it will have the same fixation strength. Our related research indicates that less cement is better.
Loading is the stress put on the knee by a bent leg, for example, when climbing stairs.
This computational analysis looked at new geometries and less cement as opposed to a solid layer of cement. The models were carried out on NCSA's CRAY Y-MP system, with visualizations created using a postprocessor. The patella replacement work will be useful for studying other cemented components. Recently he and NCSA research programmer Danesh Tafti got Centrex Spectrum software application for fluids and solids on the CRAY Y-MP system. Soon a CM-5 version will be in place.