Computational modelling in bone mechanics

Bone tissue is a natural structural material that is able to adapt its form to the function. Thus, a mathematical description of the functional adaptation of bone is essential not only to understand the bone adaptive behaviour but also to build models that are able to support the design of new bone implants and bone scaffolds for tissue engineering and to help in disease diagnostic. This paper describes the research efforts, performed at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IDMEC-IST), in order to achieve mathematical and computational models to describe the bone behaviour and its response to the mechanical environment. A computational bone remodelling model is briefly described as well as its application to bone tissue engineering and implant design. It shows the role that computational tools can play in the development of new medical devices and to support pre-clinical evaluation.