FEBio – Finite Elements for Biomechanics and Biophysics.
Finite element analysis for the OpenKnee(s) project will be conducted using FEBio. FEBio is a nonlinear implicit FE framework designed specifically for analysis in biomechanics and biophysics (http://www.febio.org). Funding from NIH to support FEBio was allocated in 2008 and renewed in 2012 (R01GM083925, PIs Weiss/Ateshian). FEBio is open-source, supported on multiple platforms, and uses parallel linear solvers. Specialized element formulations, constitutive models, and contact algorithms are available. User/developer support is handled via an integrated system for bug tracking and feature requests (http://mrlforums.sci.utah.edu). FEBio has been thoroughly documented via User’s, Theory and Developer’s Manuals. Source code documentation is easily accessed online and there are over 140 verification problems that provide easy-to-follow examples.
Investigators have published over 130 publications that either used FEBio or were about FEBio, including research on knee, shoulder, and hip biomechanics. There are numerous constitutive models available in FEBio for representing ligament, meniscus, and cartilage, as well as contact algorithms for representing contact between these structures. The open-source framework used to develop FEBio will allow numerous collaborators to add additional features to FEBio as part of the OpenKnee(s) project.