Interactive Module for Biomaterial Modeling and Characterization

The burgeoning field of biocompatible polymers (bio materials) presents many avenues for exploring the applications of material modeling and simulation techniques within an undergraduate and/or graduate curriculum. The instr ument created for achieving this has been the development of a set of online interactive Matl ab-GUI based learning modules which demonstrate the characterization of the mechanical properties of biocompatible polymers through material modeling and simulation. These learning mo dules can be utilized in a range of materials science and mechanics of materials courses. Few pol ymeric materials, which are used in load bearing prosthetics and in more flexible applicatio ns, such as tissue repair, were selected to demonstrate the large variations in deformation cha racteristics that might be encountered even in one category of materials. These modules feature e xp rimental data libraries which enable students to understand the process of tuning materi al model parameters by juxtaposing simulation and experimental data in various applica tions. This is preceded by a detailed account of the mathematical basis of the various rheologica l models and a consideration of their respective limitations. A dedicated website has bee n cr ated for this project. Measures to ensure ease of use and broad utilization include packaging of the interactive Matlab programs in the form of downloadable apps. Furthermore, the provis i n of downloadable experimental data files also broadens the scope of future analysis and pres ents the potential for lecture-only courses to feature a lab based activity to engage students in greater depth. This format enables the learning modules as well as the developed simulation apps, w hich are also available at the Mathworks website, to be used by external users and other ins titutes. The collection of pre-post questionnaire and summary survey data has been undertaken towards the a sessment of the project learning outcomes. A summary of this data will be made avai l ble on the project website.