An Introduction to Biomechanics: Solids and Fluids, Analysis and Design By J.D. Humphrey & S.L. Delange Springer-Verlag, 2004 ISBN 0-387-40249-7

In this course, you will learn to mathematically and quantitatively describe fluid flow as it occurs in the major organ systems of the body, in biomedical devices, and as relevant to biomedical research. Furthermore, you will learn how abnormal flow can lead to disease and vice versa. By the end of the semester, you should be able to:

Mathematically describe stresses, motion, and constitutive behavior of Newtonian fluids

Use non-Newtonian models of blood rheology to calculate shear stresses on endothelial cells

Describe the clinical effects of increased blood viscosity and use a device designed to measure blood viscosity

Design a geometrically- and dynamically-similar model of a physiological flow using dimensional analysis

Compute mass and momentum balances for fluid systems in the body, biomedical devices or laboratory research equipment

Compute the pressure drop across an atherosclerotic artery

Describe the design requirements for kidney dialysis machines

Discuss the effects of pulsatile flow in the circulation

Discuss the effects of arterial elasticity in the circulation

The course will have a mixed lecture-discussion format with homework assigned every week. Reading in the text or supplemental materials will be assigned weekly. There will be approximately five clinical guest lectures during the semester. Evaluation of student performance will be based on class participation, homework, exams, and a project.