Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Life Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 29117

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Mechanics and Applied Computer Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME), Military University of Technology (MUT), Warsaw, Poland
2. Gen. Sylwestra Kaliskiego Street, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: computational methods; structural mechanics; mechanics of materials; biomechanics; optimisation studies

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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomechanics, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Interests: biomechanics; multibody modeling; genetic algorithm; robotics; computer aided surgery

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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomechanics, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Interests: biomechanics; dental bioengineering; biomaterials; experimental mechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Symmetry is one of the most important aspects of modern biomechanics, mechanical engineering, and other scientific areas. It is widely used to reduce the numerical complexity of models, to help understand biological phenomena, and to accelerate computational algorithms. Many research groups study symmetrical as well as non-symmetrical effects in experimental mechanics, biomechanics, and other scientific challenges. Despite the recent growth rate in computational power, symmetry is still the key issue of doing complex problems solvable using currently available technologies. This is especially reliable and reasonable in computationally intensive tasks, such as parameters estimation and topological optimization. Symmetry can be both the main focus of the study, as well as an auxiliary method.

This special issue covers a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, the ones mentioned in the previous paragraph and the keyword section presented below. Our main goal is to report on novel applications of symmetry in biomedical and mechanical engineering. Thanks to such an opportunity, we would like to cordially invite you to contribute your research papers, communications, and reviews to this special issue of Symmetry.

Prof. Dr. Jerzy Malachowski
Dr. Adam Ciszkiewicz
Prof. Dr. Grzegorz Milewski
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • modeling and simulations
  • experimental studies
  • biocybernetic challenges
  • advanced computations
  • heat and mass transfer problems
  • structural as well as fluid analysis
  • symmetrical vs nonsymmetrical approach
  • stochastical approach
  • optimization issues

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

8 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Arbitrary Prestrain Values for Ligaments Cause Numerical Issues in a Multibody Model of an Ankle Joint
by Adam Ciszkiewicz
Symmetry 2022, 14(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14020261 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1852
Abstract
Experimental studies report that ligaments of the ankle joint are prestrained. The prestrain is an important aspect of modern biomechanical analysis, which can be included in the models by: applying symmetrical, arbitrary prestrains to the ligaments, assuming a strain-free location for the joint [...] Read more.
Experimental studies report that ligaments of the ankle joint are prestrained. The prestrain is an important aspect of modern biomechanical analysis, which can be included in the models by: applying symmetrical, arbitrary prestrains to the ligaments, assuming a strain-free location for the joint or by using experimental prestrain data. The aim of the study was to comparatively analyze these approaches. In total, 4 prestraining methods were considered. In order to do so, a symmetrical model of the ankle with six nonlinear cables and two sphere–sphere contact pairs was assumed. The model was solved in statics under moment loads up to 5 Nm. The obtained results showed that the arbitrary prestrains caused an unbalanced load for the model at rest, and in turn modified its rest location in an unpredictable way. Due to the imbalance, it was impossible to enforce the assumed prestrains and thus cartilage prestrain was required to stabilize the model. The prestraining had a significant effect on the angular displacements and the load state of the model. The findings suggest that the prestrain values are patient specific and arbitrary prestrains will not be valid for most models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering)
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12 pages, 2858 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Properties of Stainless Steel Orthodontic Archwire Using TiO2:Ag Coating
by Zofia Kielan-Grabowska, Justyna Bącela, Anna Zięty, Wioletta Seremak, Marta Gawlik-Maj, Beata Kawala, Beata Borak, Jerzy Detyna and Michał Sarul
Symmetry 2021, 13(9), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13091734 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3900
Abstract
Orthodontic treatment carries the risk of major complications such as enamel demineralization, tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal damage. A large number of elements of fixed orthodontic appliance results in the creation of additional plaque retention sites which increase the risk of biofilm creation. [...] Read more.
Orthodontic treatment carries the risk of major complications such as enamel demineralization, tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal damage. A large number of elements of fixed orthodontic appliance results in the creation of additional plaque retention sites which increase the risk of biofilm creation. Modification of the surface of orthodontic elements may prevent the formation of bacterial biofilm. In this paper, surface modification of stainless steel orthodontic wires with TiO2: Ag was carried out by the sol-gel thin film dip-coating method. To obtain the anatase crystal structure, substrates were calcined for 2 h at 500 °C. The properties of the obtained coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical tests. Corrosion studies were performed in a Ringer’s solution, which simulated physiological solution. SEM and XRD analyses of the coated surface confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles which may have antimicrobial potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering)
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13 pages, 2849 KiB  
Article
Ankle-Brachial Index Is a Good Determinant of Lower Limb Muscular Strength but Not of the Gait Pattern in PAD Patients
by Małgorzata Stefańska, Katarzyna Bulińska, Marek Woźniewski, Andrzej Szuba and Wioletta Dziubek
Symmetry 2021, 13(9), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13091709 - 15 Sep 2021
Viewed by 1767
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) level with kinetic and kinematic parameters of the gait pattern and force-velocity parameters generated by lower limb muscles. Methods: The study group consisted of 65 patients with peripheral [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) level with kinetic and kinematic parameters of the gait pattern and force-velocity parameters generated by lower limb muscles. Methods: The study group consisted of 65 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The ABI value, kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait and force-velocity parameters of knee and ankle extensors and flexors were determined in all subjects. The values obtained for right and left limbs as well as the limbs with higher and lower ABI were compared. Results: Regardless of the method of analysis, the values of the gait’s kinematic and kinetic parameters of both lower limbs did not differ significantly. However, significant differences were noted in the values of peak torque, work and power of the extensor muscles of the knee and the flexor muscles of the ankle with the higher and lower ABI. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a higher degree of ischemia worsened the level of strength, endurance, and performance of ankle flexors and extensors of the knee joint. ABI is not related to the gait pattern. The above-mentioned relationship should be taken into account in the rehabilitation process and methodological assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering)
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16 pages, 2015 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Mandibular Growth and Symmetry in Child with Congenital Zygomatic-Coronoid Ankylosis
by Anna Lipowicz, Wojciech Wolański, Edyta Kawlewska, Patrycja Zwolska, Małgorzata Kulesa-Mrowiecka, Krzysztof Dowgierd, Paweł Linek and Andrzej Myśliwiec
Symmetry 2021, 13(9), 1634; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13091634 - 5 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5150
Abstract
Ankyloses in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are mentioned as a potential etiological factor of mandibular growth disorders and facial asymmetry. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the changes in the mandible of a child with zygomatic-coronoid ankylosis [...] Read more.
Ankyloses in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are mentioned as a potential etiological factor of mandibular growth disorders and facial asymmetry. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the changes in the mandible of a child with zygomatic-coronoid ankylosis during the first five years of life, in which two adhesion release procedures were performed. The adopted symmetrical approach is based on the assumption of symmetry of the structure of the stomatognathic system in relation to the sagittal median plane. However, the assessment of pathological changes in the structure of the skeletal system was performed using an asymmetrical approach. Computed tomography techniques and a system of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) were used in the case study. During the child’s growth, linear and angular measurements were made thrice (at the age of 16, 25 and 54 months). The degree of asymmetry was estimated in the measurements made on the right and left sides of the three-dimensional mandible. Unilateral congenital hypoplasia of the articular process and zygomatic-coronoid adhesion caused asymmetrical growth of the mandible in the child along with shortening of the mandibular branch and body on the damaged side and a visible difference in the size of the mandibular angles. Removal of the adhesions during surgical procedures made it possible to reduce the asymmetry of the mandible and catch-up growth, although at the age of five, the mandible was still smaller than the mandible in healthy peers. It was shown that the early adhesion release procedures supported by the CAD analysis enabled the restoration of mandibular symmetry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering)
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10 pages, 1382 KiB  
Article
Different Drop Heights in Bilateral Asymmetry and Interjoint Coordination during Repetitive Drop-Jumps
by Ke-Ke Zhang, Yi-Ming Chen, Yu-Ge Li, Shun Yao, Yu Su and I-Lin Wang
Symmetry 2021, 13(9), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13091590 - 29 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
The difference of drop heights will affect the biomechanics of lower extremities during drop-jump (DJ) landing. Therefore, this study explored the effects of drop heights and training volumes on interjoint coordination and the side-to-side asymmetry of the lower extremities during landing. Twenty males [...] Read more.
The difference of drop heights will affect the biomechanics of lower extremities during drop-jump (DJ) landing. Therefore, this study explored the effects of drop heights and training volumes on interjoint coordination and the side-to-side asymmetry of the lower extremities during landing. Twenty males were randomly assigned to perform 200 DJs (DJs200) from 30, 40 and 50 cm (drop-jump height (DJH) 30, DJH40 and DJH50) platform. One-way ANOVA repeated measure, using MATLAB software, was used to compare the differences of interjoint coordination, side-to-side asymmetry of ground contact time (GCT) and the maximum impact in vertical ground-reaction forces peak (I-vGRFpeak) in the 1st, 50th, 100th, 150th and 200th jumps (DJ1, DJs50, DJs100, DJs150 and DJs200). To examine whether significant differences exist, the least significant difference’s (LSD) method was used for post-hoc comparison. The mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) of hip–knee were lower than DJH50 at DJH30 and DJH40, while side-to-side asymmetry of GCT and I-vGRFpeak were greater than DJH30 and DJH40 at DJH50 within DJs200 (all p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference in MARP and DP of hip–ankle and knee–ankle. Therefore, training at DJH30 may effectively improve jumping performance and reduce musculoskeletal injury risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering)
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11 pages, 1474 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Symmetry in Plantar Pressure Distribution under the Toes during Standing in a Postural Pedobarographic Examination
by Karolina Gawronska and Jacek Lorkowski
Symmetry 2021, 13(8), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13081476 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2252
Abstract
Pedobarography is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic method that enables estimation of plantar pressure distribution. This article aims to describe the symmetry between right and left toes in the Polish adult population using data obtained during postural pedobarographic examinations. Eighty-two patients, both sexes, with [...] Read more.
Pedobarography is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic method that enables estimation of plantar pressure distribution. This article aims to describe the symmetry between right and left toes in the Polish adult population using data obtained during postural pedobarographic examinations. Eighty-two patients, both sexes, with a mean age of 42.12 (range 19–70), without significant pathologies, participated in the study. Plantar pressure was evaluated using a PEL38 pressure plate. The study applies the elements of Cavanagh’s classification to identify the foot sole regions: Hallux, Second Toe and Lateral Toe areas and the entire foot surface. The parameters measured included maximal and average pressures, total support area for each foot, and contact area of the foot with the ground at individual moments of standing. The results showed significantly greater loading under the right Hallux in women. As regards men, higher values in the whole foot pressure distribution were noted on the left side. Plantar pressure distribution does not increase along with the global factors such as age and body mass. The findings suggest that the asymmetry in the morphological structure of the foot does not determine the asymmetry in the plantar pressure distribution. None of the feet studied had full symmetry on the entire surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering)
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15 pages, 10199 KiB  
Article
Symmetry of the Human Head—Are Symmetrical Models More Applicable in Numerical Analysis?
by Monika Ratajczak, Mariusz Ptak, Artur Kwiatkowski, Konrad Kubicki, Fábio A. O. Fernandes, Johannes Wilhelm, Mateusz Dymek, Marek Sawicki and Sławomir Żółkiewski
Symmetry 2021, 13(7), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13071252 - 12 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9417
Abstract
The study of symmetrical and non-symmetrical effects in physics, mathematics, mechanics, medicine, and numerical methods is a current topic due to the complexity of the experiments, calculations, and virtual simulations. However, there is a limited number of research publications in computational biomechanics focusing [...] Read more.
The study of symmetrical and non-symmetrical effects in physics, mathematics, mechanics, medicine, and numerical methods is a current topic due to the complexity of the experiments, calculations, and virtual simulations. However, there is a limited number of research publications in computational biomechanics focusing on the symmetry of numerical head models. The majority of the models in the researched literature are symmetrical. Thus, we stated a hypothesis wherever the symmetrical models might be more applicable in numerical analysis. We carried out in-depth studies about head symmetry through clinical data, medical images, materials models, and computer analysis. We concluded that the mapping of the entire geometry of the skull and brain is essential due to the significant differences that affect the results of numerical analyses and the possibility of misinterpretation of the tissue deformation under mechanical load results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering)
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