A variety of projects are available in the general area of biomedical fluid dynamics and solid mechanics. While the projects are typically motivated by a biological or physiological problem, they may be appropriate for anyone having an interest in either mechanical or biomedical engineering.
Most projects involve a blend of experiment, theory and numerical analysis.
The Link Between Mechanics and Biology in Asthma Many of the clinical signs and symptoms in asthma result from airflow obstruction as a consequence of smooth muscle constriction. The magnitude of the obstructive response observed reflects the contractile capacity of the airway smooth muscle and the load against which it acts, i.e. the structural components of the parechyma and airway wall. Despite its central role little is known about airway wall mechanics, especially in chronic asthma which causes significant remodeling of the wall structures. Studies have begun to simulate the effect of smooth muscle constriction producing airway obstruction. Measurements are being made of the mechanical properties of normal airways and airways with chronic inflammation.