A topology optimized model based on the level-set method for porous bone scaffolds

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1640596 (Table of Contents)

In a well-designed porous sca old, there is a need for a convenient balance between biological compatibility and mechanical functionality such that the porosity permits tissue regeneration and solid structure carries the load in the best possible way. In this thesis, a design framework that allows for the optimal design and analysis of a bone sca old which undergoes tissue regeneration according to a self healing model is proposed. Computational models are implemented using COMSOL Multiphysics which provides the opportunity to build an FEA (Finite Element Analysis) model where boundary value problems from di erent disciplines and mathematical equations are coupled and studied at the same time to reach an optimally performing tissue. To simulate the self healing process a mechano-regulatory model is developed mimicking tissue regeneration. As the topology optimization design method, level-set method is employed, where the design process starts with an initial geometry, that satisfies physical constraints. At each time step, this geometry is improved based on sensitivity analysis results until convergence is reached. Results of both the mechanoregulatory and the topology optimization methods validate well-known benchmark design problems in literature. Finite element method integrated to the level-set based topology optimization is proven to be among the most computationally e cient and generic design tool for solving non-intuitive tissue engineering problems. Hence, the proposed design framework, when implemented with corresponding physical models, is equally applicable to other hard and soft tissue designs.