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Finite Element Analysis of the Elastic Field of Cervical Spine (C3-C4) with
Intervertebral Disc
Thesis · April 2021
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FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THE ELASTIC FIELD OF
CERVICAL SPINE (C3-C4) WITH INTERVERTEBRAL DISC
by
Sumaya Sharmin
(1510061)
KH. Sakib Shahriar
(1510091)
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Mechanical Engineering
Under the supervision of
Dr. Md. Afsar Ali
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DHAKA – 1000, BANGLADESH
FEBRUARY 2021
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THE ELASTIC FIELD OF
CERVICAL SPINE (C3-C4) WITH INTERVERTEBRAL DISC.
A thesis submitted to the department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of

Engineering and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Supervisor:
…………………………………………………..
Dr. Md. Afsar Ali
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Prepared by,
Sumaya Sharmin
1510061
KH. Sakib Shahriar
1510091
BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DHAKA – 1000, BANGLADESH
FEBRUARY 2021
i
DECLARATION
This is hereby declared that this thesis or any part of this thesis has not been submitted elsewhere
for the award of any degree or diploma.
……..……………………
Sumaya Sharmin
Student ID: 1510061
……..……………………
KH. Sakib Shahriar
Student ID: 1510091
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All the praise to the Almighty Allah without whose wish I would not be able to complete this work.
We would like express our deepest gratitude to my honorable thesis supervisor, Dr. Md. Afsar Ali,
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BUET for guiding us to accomplish this
challenging task. This thesis would not have been possible without his insightful suggestions, constant
guidance, astute criticism, unimaginable care and incredible patience. We are grateful to him for
providing me the opportunity to learn about biomechanics at undergraduate level.
We are also thankful to our fellow students and for sharing their ideas, suggestions and for providing
moral support whenever we hit an obstacle during our thesis.
We would also like to thank Md. Kamruzzaman, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, BUET and Tyabur Rahman, MD (Radiology, Phase A), BCS (Health) for guiding
us some step to overcome the roadblocks in our study. Also we would like to mention Bangladesh
Spine and Orthopedics Hospital for their association to provide us the data file from their diagnostics
facility.
Last but not the least, we would also like to thank our family for being persistent in supporting
us throughout our research work.
iii
ABSTRACT
Vertebrae are the individual bones that interlocks with each other to form the spinal column which is
a complex anatomical structure that provides the basic structure of the body. Cervical vertebrae are
the vertebrae of neck, immediately below the skull. As cervical vertebrae are very injury prone, it is
essential to study the biomechanics of the cervical spine so that the mechanism of damage propagation
is better understood. In this study we have developed a 3D model of the cervical spine using 2D
medical CT data to understand its mechanical features of the elastic field and develop a process for a
better understating. We performed various analysis on individual vertebra as well as in vertebra stack.
From the analysis we have found the stress- strain, load- deformation, rotational angle- moment curve
for the C3 and C4 assembly which can be extended to analyze the whole cervical spine to evaluate the
range of motions. It is important to know their behavior under different loading conditions so that they
can be properly dealt in case of any damage or accident. Analysis procedures maybe helpful for their
remedy or replacement by appropriate material in future. We also generated models of C1-C7 which
can be used for extended similar works and validate our current study.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 .............................................................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
Objectives............................................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER 2 .............................................................................................................................. 7
LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................................................ 11
SOFTWARE PACKAGES ...................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Mimics ........................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 3matic ............................................................................................................................. 12
3.3 Solidworks Premium ...................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Ansys Workbench .......................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................................................ 14
COMPUTATIONAL METHOD ............................................................................................. 14
4.1 Basics of FEA ................................................................................................................ 14
4.2 Applications of FEA ...................................................................................................... 14
4.3 Fundamental Equations .................................................................................................. 15
4.4 Strategy of FEA ............................................................................................................. 16
4.5 Basics of Linear Static Analysis .................................................................................... 17
4.6 Static Structural Analysis ............................................................................................... 18
4.6.1 Geometry ................................................................................................................. 18
4.6.2 Material Properties .................................................................................................. 18
4.6.3 Assemblies – Solid Body Contact ........................................................................... 18
4.6.4 Analysis Settings ..................................................................................................... 19
4.6.5 Loads and Supports ................................................................................................. 20
4.6.6 Results and Post processing .................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................................................ 22
DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL MODEL .......................................................................... 22
CHAPTER 6 ............................................................................................................................ 30
SIMULATION OF PHYSICAL MODEL ............................................................................... 30
6.1 Geometric Modeling ...................................................................................................... 30
6.2 Material Properties ......................................................................................................... 30
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6.3 Meshing the Model ........................................................................................................ 30
6.4 Analyzing the Model ...................................................................................................... 31
6.5 Boundary Condition ....................................................................................................... 31
6.6 Applying Loads .............................................................................................................. 31
6.7 Rotation Angle Calculation ............................................................................................ 31
CHAPTER 7 ............................................................................................................................ 32
RESULT AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................................ 32
7.1 Convergence Test ........................................................................................................... 32
7.2 C3 Vertebral Body ......................................................................................................... 34
7.2.1 Units ........................................................................................................................ 34
7.2.2 Material Data........................................................................................................... 35
Cortical Shell.................................................................................................................... 35
7.2.3 Model ...................................................................................................................... 35
Geometry .......................................................................................................................... 35
Coordinate Systems.......................................................................................................... 36
Mesh ................................................................................................................................. 37
7.2.4 Static Structural ....................................................................................................... 39
Solution of C3 .................................................................................................................. 41
7.3 C4 Vertebral Body ......................................................................................................... 47
7.3.1 Units ........................................................................................................................ 47
7.3.2 Material Data........................................................................................................... 47
Cortical Shell.................................................................................................................... 47
7.3.3 Model ...................................................................................................................... 48
Geometry .......................................................................................................................... 48
Mesh ................................................................................................................................. 49
Solution of C4 .................................................................................................................. 54
7.3.5 Comparison between C3 and C4 ............................................................................. 59
7.4 C3-C4 with Intervertebral Disc ...................................................................................... 60
7.4.1 Units ........................................................................................................................ 60
7.4.2 Material Data........................................................................................................... 60
Cortical shell .................................................................................................................... 60
Disc Annulus .................................................................................................................... 61
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Disc Nucleus .................................................................................................................... 61
7.4.3 Model ...................................................................................................................... 61
Geometry .......................................................................................................................... 61
Virtual Topology .............................................................................................................. 63
Connections ...................................................................................................................... 64
Mesh ................................................................................................................................. 68
Solution of Compression Load ........................................................................................ 71
Solution of Moment about X axis .................................................................................... 76
Solution of Moment about Y axis .................................................................................... 78
Solution Moment about Z axis ......................................................................................... 81
7.4.5 Range of Motion of C3 and C4 Assembly .............................................................. 83
CHAPTER 8 ............................................................................................................................ 84
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................ 84
CHAPTER 9 ............................................................................................................................ 85
LIMITATION AND RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................... 85
9.1 Limitation ....................................................................................................................... 85
9.2 Recommendation ........................................................................................................... 85
REFERENCE ........................................................................................................................... 87
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1: Adult Cervical spine ............................................................................................... 3
FIGURE 2: Cervical Vertebrae .................................................................................................. 4
FIGURE 3: Loading CT data to Mimics .................................................................................. 22
FIGURE 4: Creating 3D image from 2D CT data ................................................................... 23
FIGURE 5: Stack of cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) ..................................................................... 24
FIGURE 6: C1-C7 obtained from mimics ............................................................................... 25
FIGURE 7: C2-C3 disc ............................................................................................................ 25
FIGURE 8: C3-C4 disc ............................................................................................................ 26
FIGURE 9: Loading into 3matic .............................................................................................. 26
FIGURE 10: Wrapped C3 vertebrae ........................................................................................ 27
FIGURE 11: Fix operation on C3 ............................................................................................ 27
FIGURE 12: C1-C4 Assembly................................................................................................. 28
FIGURE 13: C3-C4 assembly.................................................................................................. 28
FIGURE 14: C3-C4 Intervertebral Disc Annulus and Nucleus region .................................... 29
FIGURE 15: C3 vertebrae for analysis .................................................................................... 34
FIGURE 16: Mesh in C3 Vertebrae ......................................................................................... 39
FIGURE 17: Fixed Support in C3 ............................................................................................ 41
FIGURE 18: Compression on C3 ............................................................................................ 41
FIGURE 19: Stress Development in C3 .................................................................................. 42
FIGURE 20: Strain in C3 ......................................................................................................... 43
FIGURE 21: Deformation in C3 .............................................................................................. 45
FIGURE 22: Maximum Equivalent Stress with the Change of Strain..................................... 45
FIGURE 23: Applied Load with the change of Deformation .................................................. 46
FIGURE 24: C4 vertebral body for analysis ............................................................................ 47
FIGURE 25: Mesh in C4 Vertebrae ......................................................................................... 51
FIGURE 26: Fixed Support in C4 ............................................................................................ 53
FIGURE 27: Compression on C4 ............................................................................................ 54
FIGURE 28: Stress Development in C4 .................................................................................. 55
FIGURE 29: Strain in C4 ......................................................................................................... 56
FIGURE 30: Deformation in C4 .............................................................................................. 58
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FIGURE 33: C3 and C4 vertebrae with disc for analysis ........................................................ 60
FIGURE 34: Mesh in C3-C4 Vertebrae ................................................................................... 70
FIGURE 35: Boundary Conditions in C3-C4 .......................................................................... 72
FIGURE 38: Boundary condition in C3-C4 Moment Application about X axis ..................... 77
FIGURE 39: Rotational angle with the change of Moment about X axis ............................... 78
FIGURE 40: Boundary condition in C3-C4 Moment Application about Y axis Moment ...... 79
FIGURE 41: Rotational angle with the change of Moment about Y axis ............................... 80
FIGURE 42: Boundary condition in C3-C4 Moment Application about Z axis Moment ....... 82
FIGURE 43: Rotational angle with the change of Moment about Z axis ................................ 83
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Cervical vertebrae are the first seven vertebrae of the spinal column located right below the skull. By
convention, the cervical vertebrae are numbered, with the first one (C1) closest to the skull and higher
numbered vertebrae (C2–C7) proceeding away from the skull and down the spine. The first, second,
and seventh vertebrae are extraordinary. The atlas (C1) is the topmost vertebra, and along with the
axis forms the joint connecting the skull and spine. It lacks a vertebral body, spinous process, and discs
either superior or inferior to it. The axis (C2) forms the pivot on which the atlas rotates. The most
distinctive characteristic of this bone is the strong odontoid process (dens) that rises perpendicularly
from the upper surface of the body and articulates with C1. The vertebra prominens, or C7, has a
distinctive long and prominent spinous process, which is palpable from the skin surface. A model of
human cervical vertebrae is shown in FIGURE 1.
 The bodies of these four vertebrae are small, and broader from side to side than from front to
back.
o The anterior and posterior surfaces are flattened and of equal depth; the former is
placed on a lower level than the latter, and its inferior border is prolonged downward,
so as to overlap the upper and forepart of the vertebra below.
o The upper surface is concave transversely, and presents a projecting lip on either side.
o The lower surface is concave from front to back, convex from side to side, and presents
laterally shallow concavities that receive the corresponding projecting lips of the
underlying vertebra.
 The pedicles are directed laterally and backward, and attach to the body midway between its
upper and lower borders, so that the superior vertebral notch is as deep as the inferior, but it is,
at the same time, narrower.
 The laminae are narrow and thinner above than below; the vertebral foramen is large and of a
triangular form.
1
 The spinous process is short and bifid, the two divisions being often of unequal size. Because
the spinous processes are so short, certain superficial muscles (the trapezius and splenius
capitis) attach to the nuchal ligament rather than directly to the vertebrae; the nuchal ligament
itself attaching to the spinous processes of C2–C7 and to the posterior tubercle of the atlas.
 The superior and inferior articular processes of cervical vertebrae have fused on either or both
sides to form articular pillars, columns of bone that project laterally from the junction of the
pedicle and lamina.
 The articular facets are flat and of an oval form:
o The superior face backward, upward, and slightly medially.
o The inferior face forward, downward, and slightly laterally.
 The transverse processes are each pierced by the foramen transversarium, which, in the upper
six vertebrae, gives passage to the vertebral artery and vein, as well as a plexus of sympathetic
nerves. Each process consists of an anterior and a posterior part. These two parts are joined,
outside the foramen, by a bar of bone that exhibits a deep sulcus on its upper surface for the
passage of the corresponding spinal nerve.
o The anterior portion is the homologue of the rib in the thoracic region, and is therefore
named the costal process or costal element. It arises from the side of the body, is
directed laterally in front of the foramen, and ends in a tubercle, the anterior tubercle.
o The posterior part, the true transverse process, springs from the vertebral arch behind
the foramen and is directed forward and laterally; it ends in a flattened vertical tubercle,
the posterior tubercle.
A figure marking various portions of the cervical vertebrae is shown in FIGURE 2.
2
FIGURE 1: Adult Cervical spine
3
FIGURE 2: Cervical Vertebrae
4
Cervical vertebrae are one of the most injury prone region of human body. The majority of all spinal
injuries are caused by automobile accidents, in which the cervical spine is the primary injury site.
Moreover, frontal impact to the head leading to cervical spine injury is a very common issue in the
sports industry. Therefore, studying the effects of various types of loading on the head on the injury
mechanisms at play in the cervical spine is of prime interest in the field of safety in the automobile
industry and the sports industry. Apart from the high magnitude impact loading scenarios described
above, fatigue loading is also another major cause for damage to the cervical spine, especially the
intervertebral discs. This type of fatigue damage is commonly seen in the military because military
personnel are required to wear heavy helmets and head-supported gear on a daily basis. This exposes
their cervical spines to complex cyclic loading over long periods of time.
To study the mechanical behavior of the cervical spine several method can be used depending on the
objective. For several years in order to study the mechanical behavior of head and neck during impacts,
experiments and mechanical models of the cervical spine were developed (Bosio et al., 1986[1]; Deng
et al., 1987[2]; Reber et al., 1979[3]; Snijders et al., 1991[4]; Tien et al., 1987[5]; Wisman et al.,
1986[6]). These models gave useful results on the kinematics of the cervical spine. Nevertheless, as
they were mainly constituted of articulated rigid bodies, they were not sufficient to analyze local
mechanical behavior of the cervical spine or to study injury in bone and soft tissue.
The present paper deals with a three-dimensional finite element model of the mid cervical spine. We
presented the construction of a three-dimensional geometrical model and performed analysis on C3-
C4 obtained from CT image data. We generated stress vs strain curve and load vs deformation curve
from our result obtained from individual vertebrae analysis. This result can be helpful for further study
on cervical vertebras. We also applied moment on C3-C4 vertebral stack to get a knowledge about
head motion and effect on intervertebral disc. The literatures we reviewed all performed analysis on
vertebral assembly or in parameterized vertebrae. But we created a model of whole vertebrae first and
performed analysis individual vertebra.
5
Objectives
The main objectives of this study are to observe deformation pattern of C3 and C4 vertebral segment
in different loading condition.
The specific objectives of the thesis are:
i. To develop a three-dimensional model of cervical vertebrae from two-dimensional CT

image data.
ii. To analyse stress vs. strain and load vs. deformation curve of individual C3 and C4 vertebral
body.
iii. To analyse stress vs. strain, load vs. deformation, and rotational angle vs. moment of C3-
C4 vertebral stack with intervertebral disc and without ligament.
6
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
For our analysis the literatures we have been going through can be divided into the categories of
 Measuring the cervical spine major parameters
 Working with the generated 3D model from MRI or CT scan
 Imposing proper material properties or the analysis,
 Finally getting different results or relation of the geometry to develop our understanding as a
part of our study.
Followings are the discussion of the above mentioned purposes:
In the quantitative analysis of Panjabi [7], the three-dimensional quantitative anatomy of middle and
lower cervical vertebrae was determined. The three-dimensional coordinates of various marked points
on the surface of the vertebra were measured with a specially designed morphometric instrument. From
these coordinates, linear dimensions, angulations, and areas of surfaces and cross-sections of most
vertebral components were calculated.
Murat [8] showed 3-D computational modelling of the human spine provides a sophisticated and cost-
effective medium for bioengineers, researchers, and designers in order to study the biomechanical
behavior of the human spine under different loading conditions. Developing a generic parametric
computational human spine model to be employed in biomechanical modelling introduces a
considerable potential to reduce the complexity of implementing and amending the intricate spinal
geometry.
The validation of the framework was carried out by comparing the developed 3-D computational human
spine models against various real life human spine data, where good agreements were achieved. The
main novelty of this research and its contribution to knowledge was the versatile framework, which
incorporated the parametric human spine model for those who study the biomechanical behavior of the
human spine such as bioengineers, ergonomics designers and anthropologists. The predictive algorithm
proves highly satisfactory in most cases, however, implementation of extended reference data has the
7
potential to improve the algorithm further and better convergence to validation data may be achieved
as a result of that.
The purpose of the study of Haghpanahi [9] is to create a three dimensional parametric model of the
lower cervical spine and to validate it by examining the model with some experimental data and other
similar. The first step is to create a master model with the capability of simply changing parameters,
which can be extracted from CT-scan images. By implementation of these parameters to the model, it
would be updated for each case. The next step is the mesh-generating of the model, and, thus the
material properties for each part of the model have been implemented. After finalizing the modeling
procedure, analysis of the model for each case is done. The results have been compared with some
references, and after validation of the model, the model could be used for extended similar studies.
This model is validated through a two phase validation procedure: validation of each motion segment
and validation of the whole model.
There are several usages for such a model:
 Analyzing the effects of material, size and other physical properties of different cases: by
analyzing different models with different material properties or sizes, and investigating the
effect of the mentioned physical characteristics
 Analyzing artificial parts (disks and facets): by implementing the considered artificial parts into
the model, investigating their behavior and checking the results.
 Spinal deformity: by modeling different cases and analyzing them under different conditions
(even with different material properties), then recording the parameters of related results. The
prepared data base can be used as a feeding data base to a prepared neural network program to
be trained and checked with a provided data base. The prepared neural network can be used as
a powerful tool to predict the behavior of a new case with measured parameters under specific
conditions.
 Study spine behavior under combined loads (combination of loads in different directions)
simultaneously (e.g., flexion and extension moments simultaneously).
The study of Kumaresan [10] determined the effect of variations in the material properties of the
cervical spinal components on the output of the finite element analysis (external and internal responses
of the cervical spine) under physiologic load vectors.
8
 Design: A three-dimensional (3D) anatomically accurate finite element model comprising of
the C4-C5-C6 cervical spine unit including the three vertebrae, two interconnecting
intervertebral discs, and the anterior and posterior ligament complex is used.
 Background: The effect of material property variations of spinal components on the human
lumbar spine biomechanics is extensively studied. However, a similar investigation of the
cervical spine is lacking.
 Methods: Parametric studies on the variations in the material properties of all the cervical spine
components including the cortical shell, cancellous core, endplates, intervertebral disc,
posterior elements and ligaments were conducted by exercising the 3D finite element model
under flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial torsion loading modes. Low, basic and high
material property cases for each of the six components under all the four physiologic loading
modes were considered in the finite element analysis. A total of 432 results were evaluated to
analyze the external angular rotation, and the internal stresses in the middle vertebral body, the
superior and inferior endplates and the two intervertebral discs.
 Results: Variations in the material properties of the different cervical spinal components
produced dissimilar changes in the external and internal responses. Variations in the material
properties of the cancellous core, cortical shell, endplates and posterior element structures
representing the hard tissues did not affect the external angular motion, and the internal stresses
of the inferior and superior intervertebral discs under all four loading modes. In contrast,
variations in the material properties of the intervertebral disc and ligament structures
representing the soft tissues significantly altered the angular motion, and the stresses in the
inferior and superior intervertebral discs of the cervical spine.
 Conclusion: The material properties of the soft tissue structures have a preponderant effect on
the external and internal responses of the cervical spine compared with the changes in the
material properties of the hard tissue structures.
In the project work of Vikram [11] the first step was to obtain accurate geometry and develop finite
element meshes of the C4 vertebra, C5 vertebra and the C45 intervertebral disc.
The work involved setting up the flexion/extension and compression/tension simulations using
ABAQUS. The material properties for the different components of the model were obtained from
literature and assigned to various regions of the C45 segment. After assembling the model, the boundary
conditions were specified which hold the inferior surface of the C5 vertebral body fixed. After this, the
9
flexion/extension moment or the compression/tension load was applied to the superior surface of the
C4 vertebral body. General contact was defined for the model which prevents surfaces from penetrating
each other. The simulations were submitted using the Static General solver in ABAQUS. The extent of
the C45 segment motion was recorded for varying magnitudes of loading, and the results were compared
against existing experimental data.
As a final effort, it was investigated ways to improve the bio fidelity of the model in order to obtain a
better match between the model response and the experimental data. The changes were made in order
to achieve this have been outlined in the following paragraphs. Spinal ligaments were added to the finite
element model. Ligaments are an important component of the cervical spine, playing a significant role
in governing the kinematics of spinal segment motion. Ligaments provide tensile force under extension,
which has a restrictive effect on relative motion between the two vertebrae of the spinal segment.
Finally, the validation simulations were repeated on this improved model. The response of the initial
model (without ligaments and segmented disc) was compared against the response of the improved
model (with ligaments and segmented disc) and these results were compared against the experimental
data.
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CHAPTER 3
SOFTWARE PACKAGES
3.1 Mimics
Materialise's Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) is a software tool for visualizing
and segmenting medical images (such as CT and MRI) and rendering 3D objects. The software comes
in two editions: Research and Medical.
Mimics may be used to load and process stacks of 2D images from numerous formats including: Dicom
3.0 format, BMP, TIFF, JPG and raw images. Once images are processed, they can be used for
numerous applications of Engineering on Anatomy including measuring, designing, modeling and 3D
printing.
Additional modules provide more extensive capabilities such as the ability to perform CAD operations
(for designing custom prosthesis or optimizing new devices based on image data) or preparing finite
element meshes. Materialise also develops separate software for additive manufacturing that is ideal for
preparing your medical models or devices for any 3D printing system.
The medical images coming from CT or MRI scanners consist of grayscale information. Mimics allows
the user to create models based on the grayvalues (Hounsfield units in CT images) within these images.
A grayvalue is a number associated with an image pixel defining the shade (white, gray, or black) of
the pixel. There is a direct association between material density of the scanned object and the grayvalue
assigned to each pixel in the image data. Because of this, Mimics has the flexibility to create models
from any geometry distinguishable within the scanned data. By grouping together similar grayvalues,
the image data can be segmented, and models created. This type of segmentation is called thresholding
and yields accurate models. Using the segmentation and known information on the pixel size and the
distance between the image slices, Mimics can calculate a 3D model (FIGURE 3). The accuracy in a
Mimics model matches the accuracy of an object captured within the scan.
Mimics Medical 21.0.0.406 is used to create develop 3D image from 2D CT image data.
11
3.2 3matic
Materialise’s 3-matic is a software that combines CAD tools with pre-processing (meshing) capabilities.
To do this, it works on triangulated (STL) files which makes it suitable for freeform 3D data, like the
anatomical data coming from the segmentation of medical images (from Mimics). As such, 3-matic can
be seen as a tool that allows Anatomical CAD or what Materialise has coined ‘Engineering on
Anatomy’.
3matic Medical 13.0.0.188 is used for further operation in the 3D model and exporting as .stp file.
3.3 Solidworks Premium
After separating vertebral body, the rest of the model creation process whether parametric model or
CT scan generated 3D part assembly was done in Solidworks Premium -2020 Student version.
SOLIDWORKS® Premium seamlessly integrates powerful design tools—including industry-leading
part, assembly, and drawing capabilities with built-in to help get work done faster and easier. The
basic operations used for this study:
3D solid modeling: create and edit 3D part and assembly models and create 2D drawings that
automatically update with design changes.
Large assembly design capabilities: create and manage extremely large designs, and work in either
detailed or simplified modes.
Advanced surfacing: create and edit complex solid and surface geometry, including stylish C2
surfaces.
Mold design: design molded parts and the tooling to create them, including core and cavity, draft,
automated parting surfaces, and mold base components.
3.4 Ansys Workbench
Structural analysis software from ANSYS provides the ability to simulate every structural aspect of a
product, including linear static analysis that simply provides stresses or deformations, modal analysis
that determines vibration characteristics, through to advanced transient nonlinear phenomena
involving dynamic effects and complex behaviors. Ansys structural analysis software is enabled to
solve complex structural engineering problems and make better, faster design decisions. With the finite
element analysis (FEA) solvers available in the suite, you can customize and automate solutions for
12
structural mechanics problems and parameterize them to analyze multiple design scenarios. It can also
connect easily to other physics analysis tools for even greater fidelity. Ansys covers from quick, easy
and accurate results, to model complex materials, large assemblies and nonlinear which constitutes
within our present study. For the present work Workbench 16.2 version has been used.
13
CHAPTER 4
COMPUTATIONAL METHOD
4.1 Basics of FEA
Finite Element Analysis is a mathematical representation of a physical system comprising a

part/assembly (model), material properties, and applicable boundary conditions (collectively referred
to as pre-processing), the solution of that mathematical representation (solving), and the study of
results of that solution (post-processing). Simple shapes and simple problems can be, and often are,
done by hand. Most real world parts and assemblies are far too complex to do accurately, let alone
quickly, without use of a computer and appropriate analysis software.
4.2 Applications of FEA
For the most part, application of FEA may be grouped as advanced, intermediate, or fundamental.
Advanced
Traditionally, an analyst (a specialist in FEA) would spend considerable time learning how to correctly
apply and use FEA software for advanced problems involving non-linear material properties
(composites, highly elastic, etc.) non-linear geometry conditions (what happens after material yield
and beyond to failure), time conditions (drop tests, crash tests, thermal radiation), and dynamics
(earthquake analysis), to name just a few. Typically, an analyst spends most of their time using FEA
software and very little in a CAD modelling system. Analysts are almost always degreed engineers
who do little actual design but are highly regarded within their company for their expertise. This user
will perform all analysis types from fundamental through advanced. Because of their expertise, most
of their efforts are spent on advanced analysis, leaving little time for fundamental analysis problems
usually encountered by engineers.
Intermediate
The intermediate user of FEA is also almost always a degreed engineer who may split his or her time
between product design (with or without CAD) and analysis software solving problems both
intermediate and fundamental. In the scale of users, there are more of these intermediate users than
there are analysts. It addresses the entire fundamental range and some of the mid-range of these users’
needs in the areas of fatigue, manual mesh refinement controls, shell meshing, harmonic analysis, and
non-linear contact conditions.
14
Fundamental
The bulk of FEA is used for fundamental analysis problems; linear/static stress, deflection, factor of
safety, thermal, and modal. The typical user of Workbench Simulation (usually DesignSpace) is an
occasional user of FEA, spending most of his/her time designing in CAD, and should have good
“engineering common-sense.” This user may or may not be a degreed engineer but must have a good
understanding of how the product being designed will be used so that it may be properly simulated.
While just about anybody can use this class of tools, software cannot replace good critical thinking: Is
the product behaving as expected? Are the answers within expected ranges? In short, does it all make
sense and how can the results be used to properly evaluate the design.
4.3 Fundamental Equations
From the mathematics standpoint, many engineering phenomena can be expressed by

"governing equations" and "boundary conditions" such as
G() + f = 0 (1)
B() + h = 0 (2)
The governing equation (1) is often in the form of a differential equation, which can be
converted into a matrix equation using FEM:
Ku=f (3)
The solution to the above matrix equation is
u =K-1 *f (4)
in which K represents the property, u the behavior, and f the action.
In order to use FEM to analyze an engineering problem, it is necessary to divide the entire
domain (structure) into a number of small, simple elements. A field variable is interpolated by
a polynomial over an element. The adjacent elements have to share the same degrees of
freedom at connecting nodes to achieve compatibility. By connecting elements together, the
field variable becomes interpolated over the entire domain (structure) in piecewise fashion
which results in a set of simultaneous algebraic equations at nodes. By solving the algebraic
equations, one can obtain primary unknown field variables at nodes.
For the present study based on the material property selection following equations will be applicable:
15
Governing equations for 3D elasticity
𝜕𝜎𝑥 𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑧

+ + + 𝑓𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝜎𝑦 𝜕𝜏𝑦𝑧

+ + + 𝑓𝑦 = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑧 𝜕𝜏𝑦𝑧 𝜕𝜎𝑧

+ + + 𝑓𝑧 = 0 (5)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Constitutive Equations
3D Hooke’s Law: Matrix Form for Isotropic Material
𝜎𝑥 1−𝜐 𝜐 𝜐 0 0 0 𝜖𝑥
𝜎𝑦 𝜐 1−𝜐 𝜐 0 0 0 𝜖𝑦
𝜎𝑧 𝐸 0 ] * 𝜀𝑧
𝜏𝑦𝑧 = (1+𝜐)(1−2𝜐) ∗ [ 𝜐0 𝜐
0
1−𝜐 0
0 1−2𝜐 0
0
0 𝛾𝑦𝑧 (6)
𝜏𝑥𝑧 0 0 0 0 1−2𝜐 0 𝛾𝑥𝑧
[𝜏𝑥𝑦 ] 0 0 0 0 0 1−2𝜐 [𝛾𝑥𝑦 ]
Strain-Displacement Relations
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑤
Normal Strain 𝜖𝑥 = ; 𝜖𝑦 = ; 𝜖𝑧 = (7)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑢
Shear Strain 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 + 𝜕𝑥 ; 𝛾𝑦𝑧 = 𝜕𝑧 + 𝜕𝑦 ; 𝛾𝑧𝑥 = 𝜕𝑥
+ 𝜕𝑧
4.4 Strategy of FEA
Pre-Processing
To do this, FEA software typically uses a CAD representation of the physical model and breaks it
down into small pieces called finite “elements”. This process is called “meshing.” The higher the
quality of the mesh (collection of elements), the better the mathematical representation of the physical
model. The primary purpose of an element is to connect nodes with predictable mathematical
equations based on stiffness between nodes; the type of element used often depends upon the problem
to be solved. The behaviour of each element, by itself, is very well understood. By combining the
behaviours of each element using simultaneous equations, one can predict the behaviour of shapes that
16
would otherwise not be understood using basic “closed form” calculations found in typical engineering
handbooks.
There are many different types and classes of elements, most created for specialized purposes (cable,
piping, beams, truss structures, e-mag, etc.). A one-dimensional element represents line shapes, such
as beams or springs. A 2D element, also known as a quadrilateral element, will represent triangles and
squares. 3D elements represent solid shapes and are usually in 2 basic shapes: brick (hexahedrons or
“hex”) and pyramids (tetrahedrons or “tets”).
Other aspects of the pre-processing phase involve identifying material properties and environmental
conditions the design will be subject to. These conditions include various forms of physical forces
(loads, pressures, moments, etc.), thermal loads and conditions (temperature, conductivity, convection,
etc.), and constraints (fixed, pinned, frictionless/symmetrical, etc.).
Post-Processing (Interpretation of Results)
The output of a solver is generally a very substantial quantity of raw data. This quantity of raw data
would normally be difficult and tedious to interpret without the data sorting and graphical
representation referred to as post-processing. Post-processing is used to create graphical displays that
show the distribution of stresses, strains, deformations, temperatures, and other aspects of the model.
Interpretation of these post-processed results is the key to identifying areas of potential concern (weak
areas in a model), areas of material waste (areas of the model bearing little or no load), or valuable
information on other model performance characteristics (thermal, modal) that otherwise would not be
known until a physical model were built and tested (prototype). The post-processing phase of FEA is
where the most critical thinking must take place, where the user looks at the results (the numbers vs.
colour contours, movements, etc.), and compares results with what might be expected. It cannot be
stressed enough that it is up to the user to determine if the results make sense, to be able to explain the
results based upon engineering “common sense.” If the results are other than expected, one must search
until an explanation can be found before the results can be fully trusted.
4.5 Basics of Linear Static Analysis
For a linear static structural analysis, the displacements {x} are solved
for in the matrix equation below:
[K]{x}= {F} (8)

Assumptions:
– [K] is constant
• Linear elastic material behavior is assumed
17
• Small deflection theory is used
• Some nonlinear boundary conditions may be included
– {F} is statically applied
• No time-varying forces are considered
• No inertial effects (mass, damping) are included
• It is important to remember these assumptions related to linear static analysis.
4.6 Static Structural Analysis
4.6.1 Geometry
In structural analyses, all types of bodies supported by Simulation may be used.

• For surface bodies, thickness must be supplied in the “Details” view of the “Geometry” branch.
• The cross-section and orientation of line bodies are defined within DesignModeler and are
imported into Simulation automatically.
4.6.2 Material Properties
Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio are required for linear static structural analyses:
– Material input is handled in the “Engineering Data” application.
– Mass density is required if any inertial loads are present.
– Thermal expansion coefficient is required if a uniform temperature load is applied.
– Thermal conductivity is not required for uniform temperature conditions.
– Stress Limits are needed if a Stress Tool result is present.
– Fatigue Properties are needed if Fatigue Tool result is present.
4.6.3 Assemblies – Solid Body Contact
When importing assemblies of solid parts, contact regions are automatically created between the
solid bodies.
– Contact allows non-matching meshes at boundaries between solid parts
– Tolerance controls under “Contact” branch allows the user to specify distance of auto contact
detection via slider bar.
In Simulation, the concept of contact and target surfaces are used for each contact region:
– One side of a contact region is referred to as a contact surface, the other side is referred to as a
target surface.
– The contact surfaces are restricted from penetrating through the target surface.
18
• When one side is designated the contact and the other side the target, this is called asymmetric
contact.
• If both sides are made to be contact & target this is called symmetric contact.
• By default, Simulation uses symmetric contact for solid assemblies.
• For ANSYS Professional licenses and above, the user may change to asymmetric contact, as
desired.
Five contact types are available (TABLE 1):

– Bonded and No Separation contact are linear and require only 1 iteration.
– Frictionless, Rough and Frictional contact are nonlinear and require multiple iterations.
• Nonlinear contact types allow an “interface treatment” option:
• “Add Offset”: input zero or non-zero value for initial adjustment
• “Adjusted to Touch”: ANSYS closes any gap to a just touching position
TABLE 1 Contact Types in ANSYS
Contact Type Iterations Normal Behavior (Separation) Tangential Behavior (Sliding)
Bonded 1 No Gaps No Sliding

No Separation 1 No Gaps Sliding Allowed
Frictionless Multiple Gaps Allowed Sliding Allowed
Rough Multiple Gaps Allowed No Sliding
Frictional Multiple Gaps Allowed Sliding Allowed
Pin Ball Region:

• Inside pinball = near-field contact
• Outside pinball = far-field contact
• Allows the solver to more efficiently process contact calculations
4.6.4 Analysis Settings
The “Analysis Settings” details provide general control over the solution process:
• Step Controls:
– Manual and auto time stepping controls.
– Specify the number of steps in an analysis and an end “time” for each step.
– “Time” is a tracking mechanism in static analyses
• Solver Controls:
– Two solvers available (default program chosen):
• Direct solver (Sparse solver in ANSYS).
19
• Iterative solver (PCG solver in ANSYS).
– Weak springs:
• Simulation tries to anticipate under constrained models.
Step Controls:
– Multiple steps allow a series of static analyses to be set up and solved sequentially.
– For a static analysis, the end time can be used as a counter/tracker to identify the load steps and sub
steps.
– Results can be viewed step by step.
– Load values for each step can be entered in the “Tabular Data” section provided
4.6.5 Loads and Supports
Loads and supports are thought of in terms of the degrees of freedom (DOF) available for the
elements used.
• In solids the DOF are x, y and z translations (for shells rotational DOF rotx, roty and rotz).
• Supports, regardless of actual names, are always defined in terms of DOF.
4.6.6 Results and Post processing
Numerous structural results are available:
Directional and Total Deformation:
The deformation of the model can be plotted:

– Total deformation is a scalar quantity:
𝑈𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = √𝑈𝑥 2 + 𝑈𝑦 2 + 𝑈𝑧 2 (9)
– The x, y, and z components of deformation can be requested under “Directional”, in global or local
coordinates.
– Vector plots of deformation are available
Stresses and Strains:

– Stresses and (elastic) strains have six components (x, y, z, xy, yz, xz) while thermal strains have
three components (x, y, z).
– For stresses and strains, components can be requested under “Normal” (x, y, z) and “Shear” (xy,
yz, xz). For thermal strains, (x, y, z) components are under “Thermal.”
20
– Principal stresses are always arranged such that s1 > s2 > s3
– Intensity is defined as the largest of the absolute values of
s1 - s2, s2 - s3 or s3 - s1
Contact Output:
Contact region(s) for the Contact Tool (2 methods):

1. Worksheet view (details): select contact regions from the list.
• Contact, target or both sides can be selected.
2. Geometry: select contact regions on the graphics screen
21
CHAPTER 5
DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL
MODEL
Although radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide
two-dimensional (2D) images of the patient anatomy, the information is often not sufficient to help
design a precise operative technique for the individual patient. And MRI is usually used for soft tissue
and good quality skeletal structure can be obtained from CT. That’s why we collected CT image of a
30 year old male who has suffered from neck pain.
The first step is modelling is loading the CT image files to a suitable software. We used Materialise
Mimics Innovation Suite to create a 3D image from 2D data as shown in FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3: Loading CT data to Mimics
22
Then a threshold range of 280-3071(FIGURE 4) is taken to obtain a 3D picture of the Bone surface.
Fill hole and keep largest option is selected to get a model with better surface and remove any
unwanted object.
FIGURE 4: Creating 3D image from 2D CT data
Skull and Rib portion is cropped out. We used split mask and multiple slice edit to obtain the vertebra
one by one. Splitting operation was done as preciously as possible. But the surface was still a bit rough.
The final model from mimics is showed in FIGURE 5 and 6.
23
FIGURE 5: Stack of cervical vertebrae (C1-C7)
24
FIGURE 6: C1-C7 obtained from mimics
For disc we choose a threshold value of 78-136(FIGURE 7 and 8). Generating intervertebral disc was
a bit tricky. We tried our best to generate it as real as possible.
FIGURE 7: C2-C3 disc
25
FIGURE 8: C3-C4 disc
The 3D images was then imported to 3matic (FIGURE 9, 10 and 11) for further operation and exported
as stl file and step file.
FIGURE 9: Loading into 3matic
26
FIGURE 10: Wrapped C3 vertebrae
FIGURE 11: Fix operation on C3
After retrieving the possible vertebral body and disc each of the models condition was observed.
Among them C1-C4 (FIGURE 12) was in a condition to be used for further simulation.
27
FIGURE 12: C1-C4 Assembly
For the current study C3-C4 (FIGURE 13) with intervertebral disc pair was chosen because of their
comparative importance of in-vitro analysis and time and resource restrictions.
FIGURE 13: C3-C4 assembly
However, for the poor condition of the generated intervertebral disc C3-C4 proper connection could
not be established. So the new intervertebral disc in between C3-C4 was generated (FIGURE 14)
using the cavity feature in Solidworks in the C3-C4 assembly. Later it was divided into two regions
as annulus and nucleus.
28
FIGURE 14: C3-C4 Intervertebral Disc Annulus and Nucleus region
29
CHAPTER 6
SIMULATION OF PHYSICAL MODEL
The modeling procedure will be presented as follows:
6.1 Geometric Modeling
In this part, the procedure of the geometric modeling of the cervical spine (C3 and C4) with the disc
as assembled was converted as compatible file format (STEP 214) in Solidworks and then imported
into Ansys Static Structural workbench. After that it was opened in the Spaceclaim – built in geometric
modular of Ansys to check the status of each part. ‘Merge face’ operation was done to unify the faces
in the contact surfaces to some extent. Overall the status of the each of the parts of geometry was
checked to prepare it for further analysis.
6.2 Material Properties
For finite element modeling, material properties of different parts are very important, and have
magnificent effects on the results. So, selecting proper material properties is very important. After
studying different references, the following properties (TABLE 2) have been chosen from Kumersaren
1999 [10] for each part of the model:
TABLE 2 Material Properties for C3, C4 and Intervertebral Disc
Components Young’s modulus (MPa) Poisson’s ratio

Cortical shell 10000 .29
Disc annulus 3.4 .4
Disc nucleus 3.4 .49
6.3 Meshing the Model
All parts have been meshed as first order solid-tetrahedral (although, for such complex geometries,
second order elements would be better, for contact areas, first order elements are chosen), with
different average mesh sizes. Virtual topology was inserted in the contact areas to be able to use
smaller contact sizing compared to the average body sizing. (The software automatically resizes the
mesh in necessary areas, like edges).
30
6.4 Analyzing the Model
The behavior of the prepared geometric model under different standard loads is analyzed through FEA
methods. After applying the boundary condition and standard loads, the range of motion (ROM) of
the model is calculated and the results are checked with some references. The model is simulated in
two phases; individual vertebral segments first, then, motion segment as assembled.
6.5 Boundary Condition
For each analysis, the lower surface of the body of the lowest vertebra is considered as a fixed part
(zero degrees of freedom). It means that the displacements of this surface for all six degrees of freedom
are equal to zero. In case of C3-C4 assembly the interphase surfaces were connected using ‘bonded’
connection type. The disc was also constrained in the direction of load application using remote
displacement option.
6.6 Applying Loads
Standard loads are applied as nodal force or moments as ramped (sub step 200) from 0 to 500N or 0
to 500Nmm in direction of compression, flexion, lateral bending and axial torsion (bending head to
front, side and twisting the head).
6.7 Rotation Angle Calculation
When moments are applied to the model, the rotation angle of the upper vertebra is calculated to
indicate the Range of Motion (ROM) under specific moments. To calculate the rotation angle, as the
center of rotation is unknown, the angle between one random vector on the body of each vertebra,
before and after deformation, is calculated Equation (9). For this purpose, the coordinates of two
specific points, before and after deformation, are recorded.
𝑈 · 𝑈’
cosθ =|𝑈| |𝑈| (9)
Where U is a vector that connects two points from the upper-vertebra before deformation,
U′ is a vector that connects the same two points of the upper vertebra after deformation
And θ is the angle between U and U′, which indicates the rotation angle of the upper vertebra.
31
CHAPTER 7
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
7.1 Convergence Test

TABLE 3 Convergence test on C3 and C4
Mesh 2mm Mesh 1mm Mesh 0.5mm
Equivalent Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Stress of C3 [MPa] [MPa] [MPa] [MPa] [MPa] [MPa]
(MPa) 6.6494e- 7.8087e- 8.2022e-
11.803 10.691 10.264
004 004 004

Elastic Strain [MPa] [MPa]
7.0722e- 1.0275e- 7.5726e- 1.0213e-
of C3 5.931e- 1.032e- 008 003 008 003
008 003
Total Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Deformation [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm]
(mm) of C3 2.3191e- 2.3285e- 2.3512e-
0 0 0
003 003 003

Stress [MPa] [MPa] [MPa] [MPa] [MPa] [MPa]
(MPa) of C4 1.4802e- 4.3466e- 5.9143e-
4.1739 6.4477 6.4944
005 006 006
32
Elastic Strain [MPa] [MPa]
5.7108e- 7.3753e- 5.3347e- 1.3448e-
of C4 3.1884e- 4.6017e- 010 004 010 003
009 004
Total Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Deformation [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm]
(mm) of C4 1.6367e- 1.6563e- 1.6627e-
0 0 0
003 003 003
From TABLE 3 it is calculated that both the model converges within permitted limit for 2 to 1 mm of
element size. So for the analysis carried out below meshing was used of 1mm element size.
33
7.2 C3 Vertebral Body
FIGURE 15: C3 vertebrae for analysis
7.2.1 Units
TABLE 4 Units of C3
Unit System Metric (mm, t, N, s, mV, mA) Degrees rad/s Celsius
Angle Degrees
Rotational Velocity rad/s
Temperature Celsius
34
7.2.2 Material Data
Cortical Shell
TABLE 5 Cortical Shell > Isotropic Elasticity

Temperature Young's Modulus Poisson's Bulk Modulus Shear Modulus
C MPa Ratio MPa MPa
25 12000 0.3 10000 4615.4
7.2.3 Model
Geometry
TABLE 6 Geometric Properties of C3

Bounding Box
Length X 56.547 mm
Length Y 42.273 mm
Length Z 22.522 mm
Properties
Volume 10854 mm³
Statistics
Bodies 1
Active Bodies 1
Nodes 148056
Elements 100735
Mesh Metric None
TABLE 7 Part Details

Object Name Part 1
State Meshed
Definition
Suppressed No
35
ID (Beta) 17
Stiffness Behavior Flexible
Coordinate System Default Coordinate System
Reference Temperature By Environment
Material
Assignment Cortical Shell
Nonlinear Effects Yes
Thermal Strain Effects Yes
Bounding Box
Length X 56.547 mm
Length Y 42.273 mm
Length Z 22.522 mm
Properties
Volume 10854 mm³
Centroid X -1.377 mm
Centroid Y 9.6337 mm
Centroid Z 6.3646 mm
Statistics
Nodes 148056
Elements 100735
Mesh Metric None
Coordinate Systems
TABLE 8 Coordinate Systems

Object Name Global Coordinate System
State Fully Defined
Definition
Type Cartesian
Coordinate System ID 0.
Origin
Origin X 0. mm
Origin Y 0. mm
Origin Z 0. mm
36
Directional Vectors
X Axis Data [ 1. 0. 0. ]
Y Axis Data [ 0. 1. 0. ]
Z Axis Data [ 0. 0. 1. ]
Mesh
TABLE 9 Meshing of C3
Object Name Mesh
State Solved
Sizing
Use Advanced Size Function Off
Relevance Center Coarse
Element Size Default
Initial Size Seed Active Assembly
Smoothing Medium
Transition Fast
Span Angle Center Coarse
Minimum Edge Length 6.9628e-002 mm
Inflation
Use Automatic Inflation None
Inflation Option Smooth Transition
Transition Ratio 0.272
Maximum Layers 5
Growth Rate 1.2
Inflation Algorithm Pre
View Advanced Options No
Patch Conforming Options
Triangle Surface Mesher Program Controlled
Patch Independent Options
Topology Checking No
Advanced
Number of CPUs for Parallel Part Meshing Program Controlled
Shape Checking Standard Mechanical
37
Element Midside Nodes Program Controlled
Straight Sided Elements No
Number of Retries Default (4)
Extra Retries For Assembly Yes
Rigid Body Behavior Dimensionally Reduced
Mesh Morphing Disabled
Defeaturing
Pinch Tolerance Please Define
Generate Pinch on Refresh No
Automatic Mesh Based Defeaturing On
Defeaturing Tolerance Default
Statistics
Nodes 148056
Elements 100735
Mesh Metric None
TABLE 10 Mesh Controls

Object Name Patch Conforming Method Body Sizing
State Fully Defined
Scope
Scoping Method Geometry Selection
Geometry 1 Body
Definition
Suppressed No
Method Tetrahedrons
Algorithm Patch Conforming
Element Midside Nodes Use Global Setting
Type Element Size
Element Size 1. mm
Behavior Soft
38
FIGURE 16: Mesh in C3 Vertebrae
7.2.4 Static Structural
TABLE 11 Analysis
Object Name Static Structural (D5)
State Solved
Definition
Physics Type Structural
Analysis Type Static Structural
Solver Target Mechanical APDL
Options
Environment Temperature 22. °C
Generate Input Only No
TABLE 12 Analysis Settings

Object Name Analysis Settings
State Fully Defined
Step Controls
Number Of Steps 1.
Current Step Number 1.
Step End Time 1. s
Auto Time Stepping On
Define By Substeps
Initial Substeps 25.
Minimum Substeps 25.
Maximum Substeps 50.
39
Solver Controls
Solver Type Program Controlled
Weak Springs Program Controlled
Solver Pivot Checking Off
Large Deflection Off
Inertia Relief Off
Solver Units Active System
Solver Unit System nmm
TABLE 13 Loads on C3
Object Name Fixed Support Force
State Fully Defined
Scope
Geometry 74 Faces 89 Faces
Definition
ID (Beta) 29 30
Type Fixed Support Force
Suppressed No
Define By Components
Coordinate System Global Coordinate System
X Component 0. N (ramped)
Y Component 0. N (ramped)
Z Component -500. N (ramped)
40
FIGURE 17: Fixed Support in C3
FIGURE 18: Compression on C3
Solution of C3
TABLE 14 Equivalent Stress

Time [s] Minimum [MPa] Maximum [MPa]
4.e-002 3.1229e-005 0.42768
8.e-002 6.2459e-005 0.85536
0.12 9.3689e-005 1.283
0.16 1.2492e-004 1.7107
0.2 1.5615e-004 2.1384
0.24 1.8738e-004 2.5661
0.28 2.1861e-004 2.9938
0.32 2.4983e-004 3.4214
0.36 2.8106e-004 3.8491
41
0.4 3.123e-004 4.2768
0.44 3.4353e-004 4.7045
0.48 3.7475e-004 5.1322
0.52 4.0599e-004 5.5598
0.56 4.3721e-004 5.9875
0.6 4.6844e-004 6.4152
0.64 4.9967e-004 6.8429
0.68 5.309e-004 7.2706
0.72 5.6213e-004 7.6982
0.76 5.9336e-004 8.1259
0.8 6.2459e-004 8.5536
0.84 6.5582e-004 8.9813
0.88 6.8704e-004 9.409
0.92 7.1828e-004 9.8367
0.96 7.495e-004 10.264
1. 7.8073e-004 10.692
FIGURE 19: Stress Development in C3
TABLE 15 Equivalent Elastic Strain

Time [s] Minimum [mm/mm] Maximum [mm/mm]
4.e-002 2.8285e-009 4.1098e-005
8.e-002 5.6571e-009 8.2197e-005
0.12 8.4857e-009 1.233e-004
0.16 1.1314e-008 1.6439e-004
0.2 1.4143e-008 2.0549e-004
42
0.24 1.6971e-008 2.4659e-004
0.28 1.98e-008 2.8769e-004
0.32 2.2628e-008 3.2879e-004
0.36 2.5457e-008 3.6989e-004
0.4 2.8286e-008 4.1098e-004
0.44 3.1114e-008 4.5208e-004
0.48 3.3942e-008 4.9318e-004
0.52 3.6771e-008 5.3428e-004
0.56 3.9599e-008 5.7538e-004
0.6 4.2428e-008 6.1648e-004
0.64 4.5257e-008 6.5758e-004
0.68 4.8085e-008 6.9867e-004
0.72 5.0914e-008 7.3977e-004
0.76 5.3743e-008 7.8087e-004
0.8 5.6571e-008 8.2197e-004
0.84 5.94e-008 8.6307e-004
0.88 6.2228e-008 9.0417e-004
0.92 6.5057e-008 9.4526e-004
0.96 6.7885e-008 9.8636e-004
1. 7.0713e-008 1.0275e-003
FIGURE 20: Strain in C3
TABLE 16 Total Deformation
43
Time [s] Maximum [mm]
4.e-002 9.3134e-005
8.e-002 1.8627e-004
0.12 2.794e-004
0.16 3.7254e-004
0.2 4.6567e-004
0.24 5.588e-004
0.28 6.5194e-004
0.32 7.4507e-004
0.36 8.3821e-004
0.4 9.3134e-004
0.44 1.0245e-003
0.48 1.1176e-003
0.52 1.2107e-003
0.56 1.3039e-003
0.6 1.397e-003
0.64 1.4901e-003
0.68 1.5833e-003
0.72 1.6764e-003
0.76 1.7695e-003
0.8 1.8627e-003
0.84 1.9558e-003
0.88 2.0489e-003
0.92 2.1421e-003
0.96 2.2352e-003
1. 2.3284e-003
44
FIGURE 21: Deformation in C3
12
10
Equivalent Stress (MPa)
0
0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.001 0.0012
Equivalent Strain
FIGURE 22: Maximum Equivalent Stress with the Change of Strain
45
600
500
400
Load(N)
300
200
100
0
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025
Total Deformation (mm)
FIGURE 23: Applied Load with the change of Deformation
46
7.3 C4 Vertebral Body
FIGURE 24: C4 vertebral body for analysis
7.3.1 Units
TABLE 17 Units of C4
Angle Degrees
Temperature Celsius
7.3.2 Material Data
Cortical Shell
TABLE 18 Cortical Shell > Isotropic Elasticity
47
C MPa Ratio MPa MPa
25 12000 0.3 10000 4615.4
7.3.3 Model
Geometry
TABLE 19 Geometric Properties of C4

Bounding Box
Length X 56.902 mm
Length Y 44.918 mm
Length Z 24.442 mm
Properties
Volume 11428 mm³
Statistics
Bodies 1
Active Bodies 1
Nodes 155001
Elements 105561
Mesh Metric None
TABLE 20 Part Details

Object Name Part 1
State Meshed
Definition
Suppressed No
ID (Beta) 17
Stiffness Behavior Flexible
Coordinate System Default Coordinate System
Reference Temperature By Environment
Material
Assignment Cortical Shell
Nonlinear Effects Yes
48
Thermal Strain Effects Yes
Bounding Box
Length X 56.902 mm
Length Y 44.918 mm
Length Z 24.442 mm
Properties
Volume 11428 mm³
Centroid X -1.6845 mm
Centroid Y 10.83 mm
Centroid Z -10.2 mm
Statistics
Nodes 155001
Elements 105561
Mesh Metric None
Coordinate Systems
TABLE 21 Coordinate System

State Fully Defined
Definition
Type Cartesian
Origin
Origin X 0. mm
Origin Y 0. mm
Origin Z 0. mm
Directional Vectors
X Axis Data [ 1. 0. 0. ]
Y Axis Data [ 0. 1. 0. ]
Z Axis Data [ 0. 0. 1. ]
Mesh
TABLE 22 Meshing in C4
49
Object Name Mesh
State Solved
Sizing
Smoothing Medium
Transition Fast
Minimum Edge Length 0.167210 mm
Inflation
Maximum Layers 5
Growth Rate 1.2
Advanced
Defeaturing
50
Statistics
Nodes 155001
Elements 105561
Mesh Metric None
TABLE 23 Mesh Controls

Object Name Patch Conforming Method Body Sizing
State Fully Defined
Scope
Geometry 1 Body
Definition
Suppressed No
Method Tetrahedrons
Algorithm Patch Conforming
Element Midside Nodes Use Global Setting
Type Element Size
Element Size 1. mm
Behavior Soft
FIGURE 25: Mesh in C4 Vertebrae
51
TABLE 24 Analysis
Object Name Static Structural (D5)
State Solved
Definition
Options

State Fully Defined
Step Controls
Number Of Steps 1.
Step End Time 1. s
Define By Substeps
Solver Controls
Large Deflection Off
Inertia Relief Off
52
Solver Unit System Nmm
TABLE 26 Loads on C4
Object Name Fixed Support Force

State Fully Defined
Scope
Definition
ID (Beta) 29 30
Type Fixed Support Force
Suppressed No
X Component 0. N (ramped)
Y Component 0. N (ramped)
Z Component -500. N (ramped)
FIGURE 26: Fixed Support in C4
53
FIGURE 27: Compression on C4
Solution of C4

4.e-002 1.7384e-007 0.25791
8.e-002 3.4768e-007 0.51581
0.12 5.2152e-007 0.77372
0.16 6.9536e-007 1.0316
0.2 8.6921e-007 1.2895
0.24 1.043e-006 1.5474
0.28 1.2169e-006 1.8053
0.32 1.3907e-006 2.0633
0.36 1.5646e-006 2.3212
0.4 1.7384e-006 2.5791
0.44 1.9123e-006 2.837
0.48 2.0861e-006 3.0949
0.52 2.2599e-006 3.3528
0.56 2.4338e-006 3.6107
0.6 2.6076e-006 3.8686
0.64 2.7815e-006 4.1265
0.68 2.9553e-006 4.3844
0.72 3.1291e-006 4.6423
54
0.76 3.303e-006 4.9002
0.8 3.4768e-006 5.1581
0.84 3.6507e-006 5.416
0.88 3.8245e-006 5.6739
0.92 3.9983e-006 5.9318
0.96 4.1722e-006 6.1898
1. 4.346e-006 6.4477
FIGURE 28: Stress Development in C4

4.e-002 2.2841e-011 2.9499e-005
8.e-002 4.5682e-011 5.8998e-005
0.12 6.8523e-011 8.8497e-005
0.16 9.1364e-011 1.18e-004
0.2 1.142e-010 1.475e-004
0.24 1.3705e-010 1.7699e-004
0.28 1.5989e-010 2.0649e-004
0.32 1.8273e-010 2.3599e-004
55
0.36 2.0557e-010 2.6549e-004
0.4 2.2841e-010 2.9499e-004
0.44 2.5125e-010 3.2449e-004
0.48 2.7409e-010 3.5399e-004
0.52 2.9693e-010 3.8349e-004
0.56 3.1977e-010 4.1299e-004
0.6 3.4261e-010 4.4249e-004
0.64 3.6546e-010 4.7199e-004
0.68 3.883e-010 5.0148e-004
0.72 4.1114e-010 5.3098e-004
0.76 4.3398e-010 5.6048e-004
0.8 4.5682e-010 5.8998e-004
0.84 4.7966e-010 6.1948e-004
0.88 5.025e-010 6.4898e-004
0.92 5.2534e-010 6.7848e-004
0.96 5.4818e-010 7.0798e-004
1. 5.7102e-010 7.3748e-004
FIGURE 29: Strain in C4
56
TABLE 29 Total Deformation
Time [s] Maximum [mm]
4.e-002 6.6249e-005
8.e-002 1.325e-004
0.12 1.9875e-004
0.16 2.65e-004
0.2 3.3124e-004
0.24 3.9749e-004
0.28 4.6374e-004
0.32 5.2999e-004
0.36 5.9624e-004
0.4 6.6249e-004
0.44 7.2874e-004
0.48 7.9499e-004
0.52 8.6124e-004
0.56 9.2748e-004
0.6 9.9373e-004
0.64 1.06e-003
0.68 1.1262e-003
0.72 1.1925e-003
0.76 1.2587e-003
0.8 1.325e-003
0.84 1.3912e-003
0.88 1.4575e-003
0.92 1.5237e-003
0.96 1.59e-003
1. 1.6562e-003
57
FIGURE 30: Deformation in C4
6
0
0 0.0001 0.0002 0.0003 0.0004 0.0005 0.0006 0.0007 0.0008
Equivalent Strain
58
600
500
400
Load(N) 300
200
100
0
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002
Total deformation(mm)
7.3.5 Comparison between C3 and C4

TABLE 30 Comparison between C3 and C4
Elastic Co-efficient (MPa) Stiffness Coefficient(N/mm)
C3 10405 214732
C4 8742.3 301881
From the individual analysis of the vertebral body of C3, C4 we see the difference in the stress strain
development curve in FIGURE 22 and FIGURE 31 and load deformation cure in FIGURE 23 and
FIGURE 32. The maximum stress strain occurrence region is also different because of the difference
of their geometric shape. From Table 30 it is seen and in spite of consisting of same material vertebral
body C3 and C4 differs in the resulting co-efficient upon the application of the same load. We see
each of the vertebral body acts to be linear over time and load application. So there is no change in
stiffness within the range of the load applied in this study.
59
7.4 C3-C4 with Intervertebral Disc
FIGURE 33: C3 and C4 vertebrae with disc for analysis
7.4.1 Units
TABLE 31 Units for C3 and C4

Angle Degrees
Temperature Celsius
7.4.2 Material Data

Cortical shell
60
TABLE 32 Cortical shell > Isotropic Elasticity
C MPa Ratio MPa MPa
25 10000 0.29 7936.5 3876
Disc Annulus
TABLE 33 Disc Annulus > Isotropic Elasticity

C MPa Ratio MPa MPa
25 3.4 0.4 5.6667 1.2143
Disc Nucleus
TABLE 34 Disc Nucleus > Isotropic Elasticity

C MPa Ratio MPa MPa
25 3.4 0.4 5.6667 1.2143
7.4.3 Model
Geometry
TABLE 35 Geometric Properties of C3-C4

Bounding Box
Length X 56.901 mm
Length Y 46.726 mm
Length Z 39.414 mm
Properties
Volume 22493 mm³
Statistics
Bodies 4
Active Bodies 4
Nodes 84519
Elements 50650
Mesh Metric None
61
TABLE 36 Parts Details
C3 C4
Object Component1\Combine Component2\Split6[1
11_wrapped\Soli 1_wrapped\Soli
Name 2 ]
d d
State Meshed
Definition
Suppressed No
ID (Beta) 16 19 22 25
Stiffness
Flexible
Behavior
Coordinate
Default Coordinate System
System
Reference
Temperatur By Environment
e
Material
Assignment Cortical shell Disc Annulus Disc Nucleus
Nonlinear
Yes
Effects
Thermal
Strain Yes
Effects
Bounding Box
Length X 56.546 mm 56.901 mm 12.359 mm 6.4002 mm
Length Y 42.256 mm 44.913 mm 8.3155 mm 4.8767 mm
Length Z 22.791 mm 24.441 mm 5.8801 mm 5.5195 mm
Properties
Volume 10734 mm³ 11433 mm³ 211. mm³ 115.02 mm³
Centroid X -1.3613 mm -1.6843 mm -1.0002 mm -0.78908 mm
Centroid Y 9.592 mm 10.83 mm 2.4399 mm 2.0294 mm
Centroid Z 6.4254 mm -10.199 mm -4.0342 mm -4.2041 mm
Statistics
Nodes 33092 35341 11158 4928
Elements 20188 21530 6195 2737
62
Mesh
None
Metric
Virtual Topology
TABLE 37 Virtual Cells

Object Name Virtual Topology
State Fully Defined
Definition
Method Automatic
Behavior Low
Advanced
Generate on Update No
Simplify Faces No
Merge Face Edges Yes
Lock Position of Dependent Edge Splits Yes
Statistics
Virtual Faces 80
Virtual Edges 119
Virtual Split Edges 0
Virtual Split Faces 0
Virtual Hard Vertices 0
Total Virtual Entities 199
Coordinate Systems
TABLE 38 Coordinate System

State Fully Defined
Definition
Type Cartesian
Origin
Origin X 0. mm
63
Origin Y 0. mm
Origin Z 0. mm
Directional Vectors
X Axis Data [ 1. 0. 0. ]
Y Axis Data [ 0. 1. 0. ]
Z Axis Data [ 0. 0. 1. ]
Connections
TABLE 39 Connections
Object Name Connections
State Fully Defined
Auto Detection
Generate Automatic Connection On Refresh Yes
Transparency
Enabled Yes
TABLE 40 Contacts
Object Name Contacts
State Fully Defined
Definition
Connection Type Contact
Scope
Geometry All Bodies
Auto Detection
Tolerance Type Slider
Tolerance Slider 0.
Tolerance Value 0.20878 mm
Use Range No
Face/Face Yes
Face/Edge No
Priority Include All
Group By Bodies
64
Search Across Bodies
Statistics
Connections 5
Active Connections 5
TABLE 41 Contact Regions

Contact
Contact Contact
Object Name Region Contact Region 5 Contact Region 3
Region Region 4
2
State Fully Defined
Scope
Contact 1 Face 3 Faces 1 Face
Target 2 Faces 1 Face 2 Faces 1 Face
C4
C3 Component1\Combi
Contact Bodies 1_wrapped\ C4 1_wrapped\Solid
11_wrapped\Solid ne2
Solid
Compone
Component1\Combi
Target Bodies nt1\Comb Component2\Split6[1]
ne2
ine2
Definition
Type Bonded
Scope Mode Automatic
Behavior Symmetric
Trim Contact Program Controlled
Trim Tolerance 0.20878 mm
Suppressed No
Advanced
Formulation Augmented Lagrange
Detection Method Program Controlled
Penetration
Program Controlled
Tolerance
Elastic Slip
Program Controlled
Tolerance
65
Normal Stiffness Program Controlled
Update Stiffness Program Controlled
Pinball Region Program Controlled
TABLE 42 Contact Tool

Name Contact Side
Contact Region Both
Contact Region 2 Both
TABLE 43 Contact Tool > Results

Object Name Penetration Gap Status
State Solved
Definition
Type Penetration Gap Status
Identifier
Suppressed No
Integration Point Results
Display Option Averaged
Results
Minimum 0. mm -0.10791 mm
Maximum 2.401e-014 mm 0. mm
Minimum Occurs On C3 11_wrapped\Solid
Maximum Occurs On Component2\Split6[1] C3 11_wrapped\Solid
Information
Time 0. s
Load Step 1
Substep 1
Iteration Number 1
TABLE 44 Connections > Contact Tool > Penetration

Minimum [s] Maximum [mm] Not Set! [mm]
0. 0. 2.401e-014
66
TABLE 45 Connections > Contact Tool > Gap
Minimum [s] Maximum [mm] Not Set! [mm]
0. -0.10791 0.
TABLE 46 Connections > Contact Tool > Status

Minimum [s] Maximum Not Set!
0. 0. 3.
TABLE 47 Connections > Contact Tool > Initial Information

Contact Number Geometric Geometric Gap Resulting Contact
Name Type Status
Side Contacting Penetration (mm) (mm) Pinball (mm) Depth (mm)
Contact
Contact Bonded Closed 598. 7.365e-002 6.7138e-002 0.10791 0.43162
Region
Contact
Target Bonded Closed 557. 7.4444e-002 6.7678e-002 0.1093 0.43719
Region
Contact
Region Contact Bonded Closed 243. 6.8373e-002 3.7096e-002 0.10899 0.43595
2
Contact
Region Target Bonded Closed 227. 6.6986e-002 3.6648e-002 0.10836 0.43344
2
Contact
4
Contact
4
Contact
5
Contact
5
Contact
3
Contact
3
67
Mesh
TABLE 48 Meshing in C3-C4

Sizing
Smoothing Medium
Transition Fast
Minimum Edge Length 0.108590 mm
Inflation
Maximum Layers 5
Growth Rate 1.2
Advanced
68
Defeaturing
Statistics
Nodes 84519
Elements 50650
Mesh Metric None
TABLE 49 Mesh > Mesh Controls

Patch
Object Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact Body
Conforming
Name Sizing Sizing 2 Sizing 3 Sizing 4 Sizing 5 Sizing
Method
State Fully Defined
Scope
Scoping Geometry Geometry
Method Selection Selection
Geometry 4 Bodies 4 Bodies
Contact Contact Contact Contact
Contact Contact
Region Region Region Region
Region Region
2 3 4 5
Definition
Suppressed No
Method Tetrahedrons
Patch
Algorithm
Conforming
Element
Use Global
Midside
Setting
Nodes
Type Element Size
Element
0.5 mm 2. mm
Size
Behavior Soft
69
FIGURE 34: Mesh in C3-C4 Vertebrae
TABLE 50 Analysis
Object Name Static Structural (G5)
State Solved
Definition
Options

State Fully Defined
Step Controls
Number Of Steps 1.
Step End Time 1. s
Define By Substeps
70
Solver Controls
Inertia Relief Off
Solver Unit System nmm
Solution of Compression Load
TABLE 52 Loads
Object Name Fixed Support Nodal Force Remote Displacement
State Fully Defined
Scope
Geometry
Scoping Method Named Selection Geometry Selection
Selection
Named Selection Selection 1
Global Coordinate
Coordinate System
System
X Coordinate -0.89364 mm
Y Coordinate 2.172 mm
Z Coordinate -4.1399 mm
Location Defined
Definition
ID (Beta) 530 564 598
Type Fixed Support Force Remote Displacement
Suppressed No
Nodal Coordinate
Coordinate System
System
X Component 0. N (ramped) 0. mm (ramped)
71
Y Component 0. N (ramped) 0. mm (ramped)
Z Component -500. N (ramped) Free
Divide Load by
Yes
Nodes
Rotation X 0. ° (ramped)
Rotation Y 0. ° (ramped)
Rotation Z 0. ° (ramped)
Behavior Deformable
Advanced
Pinball Region All
FIGURE 35: Boundary Conditions in C3-C4

4.e-002 4.969e-007 5.5949
8.e-002 9.9367e-007 11.19
0.12 1.4902e-006 16.785
0.16 1.9878e-006 22.379
0.2 2.4871e-006 27.974
0.24 2.981e-006 33.569
0.28 3.4798e-006 39.164
0.32 3.9767e-006 44.759
0.36 4.4749e-006 50.354
0.4 4.9697e-006 55.949
72
0.44 5.467e-006 61.543
0.48 5.9634e-006 67.138
0.52 6.4607e-006 72.733
0.56 6.9574e-006 78.328
0.6 7.4563e-006 83.923
0.64 7.9529e-006 89.518
0.68 8.4478e-006 95.112
0.72 8.9464e-006 100.71
0.76 9.4408e-006 106.3
0.8 9.9474e-006 111.9
0.84 1.0448e-005 117.49
0.88 1.0947e-005 123.09
0.92 1.1354e-005 128.68
0.96 1.1841e-005 134.28
1. 1.2279e-005 139.87

4.e-002 1.8852e-010 0.1423
8.e-002 3.7687e-010 0.28419
0.12 5.6497e-010 0.42611
0.16 7.5322e-010 0.56809
0.2 9.416e-010 0.71006
0.24 1.1297e-009 0.85209
0.28 1.3182e-009 0.99412
0.32 1.5063e-009 1.1362
0.36 1.6945e-009 1.2783
0.4 1.8829e-009 1.4204
0.44 2.0711e-009 1.5625
0.48 2.2593e-009 1.7047
0.52 2.4474e-009 1.8469
0.56 2.6355e-009 1.9892
0.6 2.8237e-009 2.1314
0.64 3.0121e-009 2.275
73
0.68 3.2001e-009 2.4197
0.72 3.3885e-009 2.5643
0.76 3.5763e-009 2.7089
0.8 3.768e-009 2.8537
0.84 3.956e-009 3.0255
0.88 4.146e-009 3.106
0.92 4.2966e-009 3.2539
0.96 4.4651e-009 5.6267
1. 4.6427e-009 3.5348
TABLE 55 Directional Deformation

Time [s] Minimum [mm] Maximum [mm]
4.e-002 -0.23093 2.2422e-004
8.e-002 -0.46177 4.4845e-004
0.12 -0.69256 6.7368e-004
0.16 -0.92357 8.9964e-004
0.2 -1.1543 1.1267e-003
0.24 -1.3853 6.4612e-003
0.28 -1.6161 6.2179e-003
0.32 -1.847 6.0123e-003
0.36 -2.0779 5.8055e-003
0.4 -2.309 1.5007e-002
0.44 -2.5396 1.4631e-002
0.48 -2.7708 1.4262e-002
0.52 -3.0014 1.389e-002
0.56 -3.2323 1.3516e-002
0.6 -3.463 1.3139e-002
0.64 -3.6938 1.276e-002
0.68 -3.9245 1.2377e-002
0.72 -4.1552 1.1992e-002
0.76 -4.3858 1.1604e-002
0.8 -4.612 1.1216e-002
74
0.84 -4.8297 1.084e-002
0.88 -5.0324 1.048e-002
0.92 -5.2324 1.2402e-002
0.96 -5.2888 1.5537e-002
1. -5.4667 3.5457e-002
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Equivalent Strain
600
500
400
Load (N)
300
200
100
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Directional Deformation (mm)
75
Solution of Moment about X axis
TABLE 56 Loads
Object Name Fixed Support Remote Displacement Moment

State Fully Defined
Scope
Geometry 10 Faces 11 Faces 6 Faces
Location Defined
Definition
ID (Beta) 530 598 604
Type Fixed Support Remote Displacement Moment
Suppressed No
X Component Free 500. N·mm (ramped)
Y Component 0. mm (ramped) 0. N·mm (ramped)
Z Component 0. mm (ramped) 0. N·mm (ramped)
Rotation X Free
Behavior Deformable
Advanced
Pinball Region All
76
FIGURE 38: Boundary condition in C3-C4 Moment Application about X axis
TABLE 57 Rotational Angle Calculation

Substep
Moment Initial Vector Final Vector cosθ θ
(Nmm )
x y z x y z
0 16.50 -0.82 0.00 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 1.00 0.00
20 16.50 -0.82 -0.16 16.51 -1.38 -0.69 1.00 0.04
40 16.50 -0.82 -0.33 16.52 -1.95 -0.89 1.00 0.07
60 16.50 -0.82 -0.49 16.53 -2.52 -1.09 0.99 0.11
80 16.50 -0.82 -0.65 16.54 -3.08 -1.30 0.99 0.14
100 16.50 -0.82 -0.81 16.56 -3.65 -1.50 0.98 0.18
120 16.50 -0.82 -0.98 16.57 -4.21 -1.70 0.98 0.21
140 16.50 -0.82 -1.14 16.58 -4.78 -1.91 0.97 0.24
160 16.50 -0.82 -1.30 16.59 -5.35 -2.11 0.96 0.28
180 16.50 -0.82 -1.47 16.60 -5.91 -2.31 0.95 0.31
200 16.50 -0.82 -1.63 16.61 -6.48 -2.52 0.94 0.34
220 16.50 -0.82 -1.79 16.63 -7.04 -2.72 0.93 0.37
240 16.50 -0.82 -1.95 16.64 -7.61 -2.92 0.92 0.40
260 16.50 -0.82 -2.12 16.65 -8.18 -3.13 0.91 0.43
280 16.50 -0.82 -2.28 16.66 -8.74 -3.33 0.90 0.46
300 16.50 -0.82 -2.44 16.67 -9.31 -3.53 0.89 0.48
320 16.50 -0.82 -2.61 16.68 -9.87 -3.74 0.87 0.51
340 16.50 -0.82 -2.77 16.70 -10.44 -3.94 0.86 0.53
360 16.50 -0.82 -2.93 16.71 -11.01 -4.14 0.85 0.56
380 16.50 -0.82 -3.09 16.72 -11.57 -4.35 0.84 0.58
400 16.50 -0.82 -3.26 16.73 -12.14 -4.55 0.82 0.60
420 16.50 -0.82 -3.42 16.74 -12.70 -4.75 0.81 0.62
440 16.50 -0.82 -3.58 16.75 -13.27 -4.96 0.80 0.65
460 16.50 -0.82 -3.75 16.76 -13.84 -5.16 0.79 0.67
480 16.50 -0.82 -3.91 16.78 -14.40 -5.36 0.77 0.69
500 16.50 -0.82 -4.07 16.79 -14.97 -5.57 0.76 0.70
77
45
Rotational angle (degree) 40

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Moment (Nmm)
FIGURE 39: Rotational angle with the change of Moment about X axis
Solution of Moment about Y axis
TABLE 58 Loads
State Fully Defined
Scope
Location Defined
Definition
ID (Beta) 530 598 604
78
Suppressed No
X Component 0. mm (ramped) 0. N·mm (ramped)
Y Component Free 500. N·mm (ramped)
Z Component 0. mm (ramped) 0. N·mm (ramped)
Rotation Y Free
Behavior Deformable
Advanced
Pinball Region All
FIGURE 40: Boundary condition in C3-C4 Moment Application about Y axis Moment

Substep
(Nmm )
x y z x y z
79
0 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 0.00 0.00 1.00000 0.00
20 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 0.30 -0.01 0.99997 0.29
40 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 0.61 -0.02 0.99988 0.59
60 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 0.91 -0.03 0.99973 0.88
80 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 1.21 -0.04 0.99954 1.18
100 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 1.51 -0.05 0.99930 1.47
120 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 1.82 -0.06 0.99903 1.76
140 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 2.12 -0.07 0.99873 2.06
160 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 2.42 -0.08 0.99839 2.35
180 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 2.72 -0.09 0.99803 2.64
200 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 3.03 -0.10 0.99764 2.94
220 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 3.33 -0.11 0.99724 3.23
240 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 3.63 -0.12 0.99681 3.53
260 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 3.94 -0.13 0.99637 3.82
280 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 4.24 -0.14 0.99592 4.11
300 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 4.54 -0.15 0.99546 4.41
320 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 4.84 -0.16 0.99498 4.70
340 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 5.15 -0.17 0.99450 4.99
360 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 5.45 -0.18 0.99400 5.29
380 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 5.75 -0.19 0.99351 5.58
400 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 6.06 -0.20 0.99300 5.88
420 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 6.36 -0.20 0.99250 6.17
440 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 6.66 -0.21 0.99199 6.46
460 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 6.96 -0.22 0.99148 6.76
480 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 7.27 -0.23 0.99097 7.05
500 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.53 7.57 -0.24 0.99045 7.35
9
8
Rotational angle (degree)
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Moment (Nmm)
FIGURE 41: Rotational angle with the change of Moment about Y axis
80
Solution Moment about Z axis
TABLE 60 Loads
State Fully Defined
Scope
Location Defined
Definition
ID (Beta) 530 598 604
Suppressed No
X Component 0. mm (ramped) 0. N·mm (ramped)
Y Component 0. mm (ramped) 0. N·mm (ramped)
Z Component Free 500. N·mm (ramped)
Rotation Z Free
Behavior Deformable
Advanced
Pinball Region All
81
FIGURE 42: Boundary condition in C3-C4 Moment Application about Z axis Moment

Sub step
(Nmm )
x y z x y z
0 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 1.0000 0.00
20 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.68 -0.50 -0.47 0.9998 1.11
40 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 16.86 -0.19 -0.47 0.9993 2.19
60 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 17.04 0.12 -0.46 0.9984 3.25
80 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 17.22 0.44 -0.45 0.9972 4.29
100 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 17.40 0.75 -0.44 0.9957 5.31
120 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 17.58 1.06 -0.43 0.9940 6.30
140 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 17.76 1.38 -0.43 0.9919 7.28
160 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 17.94 1.69 -0.42 0.9897 8.23
180 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 18.12 2.00 -0.41 0.9873 9.15
200 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 18.30 2.32 -0.40 0.9846 10.06
220 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 18.48 2.63 -0.39 0.9818 10.95
240 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 18.66 2.94 -0.39 0.9788 11.81
260 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 18.84 3.26 -0.38 0.9757 12.66
280 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 19.02 3.57 -0.37 0.9724 13.48
300 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 19.20 3.88 -0.36 0.9691 14.29
320 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 19.38 4.20 -0.36 0.9656 15.07
340 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 19.56 4.51 -0.35 0.9620 15.84
360 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 19.74 4.83 -0.34 0.9584 16.58
380 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 19.92 5.14 -0.33 0.9547 17.31
400 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 20.10 5.45 -0.32 0.9509 18.03
420 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 20.28 5.77 -0.32 0.9471 18.72
440 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 20.46 6.08 -0.31 0.9432 19.40
460 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 20.64 6.39 -0.30 0.9393 20.06
480 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 20.82 6.71 -0.29 0.9354 20.71
500 16.50 -0.82 -0.48 21.00 7.02 -0.28 0.9315 21.34
82
25
20
Rotational angle (degree)

15
10
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Moment (Nmm)
FIGURE 43: Rotational angle with the change of Moment about Z axis
7.4.5 Range of Motion of C3 and C4 Assembly
In case of compression loading in the C3-C4 pair with intervertebral disc in between the stress strain
and load deformation curve is shown in FIGURE 36 and FIGURE 37 are both linear in nature.
Although this study was limited to the linear analysis but because the intervertebral disc comprises
of soft tissue like material it deforms under the application of load more than the vertebral body
which cause the model to behave from linear to nonlinear. Also because of the change in contact
status residual force within the body during solving causes the some of the solution points to be out
of pattern.
From the plot of rotational angle with three moment application on the model in FIGURE 39, FIGURE
41, FIGURE 43 it is seen that the curve is of a polynomial order 2. This is because of the nonlinearity
of the assembly model when the soft disc is present in the middle. This functional relation between
moment application and rotational angle is of similar order to different other studies of cervical
vertebral pair. However because of absence of proper contact in the preprocessing, the penetration
occurring during the process and in absence of ligaments and facet joints the model undergoes much
larger angle of rotation for much smaller quantity of moment application compared to other validated
simulation and experimental study.
83
CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSION
The 3D model of the cervical vertebra was created using MIMICS from the CT data. The various
morphological measurements were taken and recorded. The 3D model was then prepared for FEA
analysis using virtual topology option to reduce the number split face of the contact surfaces to an
optimum value. The different stress strain distribution for vertebras C3-C4 was obtained and recorded,
giving a detailed description of the regions with maximum and minimum stress strain
distribution. Also the difference in their elastic and stiffness co efficient based on the maximum value
has been compared. In case of C3-C4 pair some additional constrained boundary conditions were
required in the preprocessing. From the deformation curve upon the load application of the assembly
the gives the idea of the stiffness of this pair. Later it can be used to compare with other pairs of the
cervical spine segment in the same manner. At last from the range of motion study rotational angle has
been determined upon the application of ramped up moment about three axis. By further study using
proper connection, boundary conditions and constraints the relating curve can be validated against
existing literature of similar study. In future this may be useful for stress and strain distribution related
study in different spine disorders such as osteoporosis, spondylosis, disc degeneration, effect of sudden
impact in case of road crash accident etc.
84
CHAPTER 9
LIMITATION AND
RECOMMENDATION
9.1 Limitation
The vertebral body was simulated using only one material cortical shell which is its major constituents.
But in actual case there are endplates on the upper and lower region and cancellous core in the middle
which are of different properties. The whole analysis was linear using elastic property of the model
because of the time, data and computational resource limitation. Moreover no facet joints and ligaments
were also used within the model. As a result of this the C3-C4 assembly undergoes a large amount or
deformation or deflection in this in vitro simulation. So additional connections are needed to be
established using solid beam or spring joints.
9.2 Recommendation
The data file should have been collected as a form of where it can differentiate different region of
material distribution. In that way the geometry can be defined using different properties of the material
distribution. To mimic the environment ligaments in the form of nonlinear object or with compression
only spring joints should be used in the model preparation during pre- processing. In addition to that
in practical case the intervertebral disc acts as hyper elastic in nature so it is necessary to do a complete
nonlinear analysis with proper boundary conditions and additional constraints as required.
For further research studies can be carried out as bellows:
 Perform MRI for soft tissue and model simultaneously.
 Obtain a smoother geometry for the disc and re-mesh to improve the disc-vertebra
interface.
 Apply nonlinear material properties and carry out nonlinear analysis.
 Model ligaments and facet joints and apply nonlinear properties to it.
85
 Create a 3D parametric model and carry out further analysis.
 Get more test data for comparison.
 Perform simulation on C2-C7 segment.
86
REFERENCE
[1] Bosio, A. C. and Bowman, B. M. (1986) “Simulation of head-neck dynamic response in –Gx and
+Gy.” 30th Stapp Car Crash Conference, pp. 345-374, SAE paper 861895.
[2] Deng, Y. C. and Goldsmith, W. (1987) “Response of a human head-neck upper torso replica to
dynamic loading – II. Analytica/Numerical Model.” Journal of Biomechanics 20(5), 487-497.
[3] Reber, J. G., Goldsmith, W. (1979) “Analysis of Larger head-neck motions.” Journal of
Biomechanics 12, 211-212
[4] Snijders, C.J., Hoek V. D. and Roosch, E. R. (1991) “A biomechanical model for the analysis of
the cervical spine in static postures.” Journal of Biomechanics 24(9). 783-792
[5] Tien, C. S. and Huston, R. L. (1987) “Numerical advance in gross motion simulations of head/neck
dynamics.” Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 109, 163-168.
[6] Wisman, J., Woltering, J. H. and Van, O. (1986) “Omni-Directional human head-neck response.”
30th Stapp Car Crash Conference, SAE paper 861893.
[7] Panjabi MM, Duranceau J, Goel V. “Cervical human vertebrae: quantitative three-dimensional
anatomy of the middle and lower regions.” Spine 1991;16:861–9.
[8] C. Murat, “Parametric human spine modelling.”(2006) PhD thesis, Loughborough University,
[9] Haghpanahi, M. and Javadi, M. ‘‘A three dimensional parametric model of whole lower cervical
spine (C3–C7) under flexion, extension, torsion and lateral bending’’, Scientia Iranica, 19(1), pp. 142–
150 (2012).
[10] Kumaresan S, Yoganandan N, Pintar FA. “Finite element analysis of the cervical spine: a material
property sensitivity study.”(1999)
[11] Subramani, V. and Justin, J. “The Development and Analysis of a Finite Element Model of the
C45 Cervical Spine Segment."
87
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Thesis · April 2021

Sumaya Sharmin Sakib Shahriar

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

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KH. Sakib Shahriar

Under the supervision of

Dr. Md. Afsar Ali

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DHAKA – 1000, BANGLADESH

A thesis submitted to the department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of

Dr. Md. Afsar Ali

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

KH. Sakib Shahriar

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DHAKA – 1000, BANGLADESH

Student ID: 1510061

KH. Sakib Shahriar

Student ID: 1510091

 The articular facets are flat and of an oval form:

o The superior face backward, upward, and slightly medially.

o The inferior face forward, downward, and slightly laterally.

A figure marking various portions of the cervical vertebrae is shown in FIGURE 2.

The specific objectives of the thesis are:

i. To develop a three-dimensional model of cervical vertebrae from two-dimensional CT

 Measuring the cervical spine major parameters

 Working with the generated 3D model from MRI or CT scan

 Imposing proper material properties or the analysis,

Followings are the discussion of the above mentioned purposes:

There are several usages for such a model:

3.3 Solidworks Premium

3.4 Ansys Workbench

4.1 Basics of FEA

Finite Element Analysis is a mathematical representation of a physical system comprising a

4.2 Applications of FEA

4.3 Fundamental Equations

From the mathematics standpoint, many engineering phenomena can be expressed by

𝜕𝜎𝑥 𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑧

𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝜎𝑦 𝜕𝜏𝑦𝑧

𝜕𝜏𝑥𝑧 𝜕𝜏𝑦𝑧 𝜕𝜎𝑧

3D Hooke’s Law: Matrix Form for Isotropic Material

4.4 Strategy of FEA

Post-Processing (Interpretation of Results)

4.5 Basics of Linear Static Analysis

[K]{x}= {F} (8)

4.6 Static Structural Analysis

In structural analyses, all types of bodies supported by Simulation may be used.

4.6.2 Material Properties

4.6.3 Assemblies – Solid Body Contact

Five contact types are available (TABLE 1):

TABLE 1 Contact Types in ANSYS

Contact Type Iterations Normal Behavior (Separation) Tangential Behavior (Sliding)

Bonded 1 No Gaps No Sliding

Pin Ball Region:

4.6.4 Analysis Settings

4.6.5 Loads and Supports

4.6.6 Results and Post processing

Numerous structural results are available:

Directional and Total Deformation: