Tulane BMEN Research Research Activities in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, 1998.
Most graduate students work in one of the laboratories described below.
The opportunity exists, however, for research in a laboratory outside the department, providing that a faculty member within the department serves as the student's advisor. Biomechanics Bone Mechanics Methods used in these studies span a broad range of activities including experimental, theoretical and computational techniques. One project concerned with bone behavior is focused on understanding the ability of living bone to adapt its form to match its function. Analytical and experimental studies of theoretical bone adaptation models are continuing in parallel with the development of the Finite Element Method as a tool for studying and predicting the shape and material property response of living bone to applied loads and metabolic changes. These projects include study of fracture fixation, leg-lengthening devices, spine dynamics, methods of mechanically and ultrasonically characterizing the elastic and strength properties of bone, study of the biomechanics of the cervical spine, and study of soft tissues of the knee joint.