Designing and Validating Models for the Mechanics of Articular Cartilage

Abstract

Articular cartilage is a seemingly simple biological tissue with mechanical properties that far exceed the simplicity of its structure. In this thesis I will explore how we are able to model the shear mechanical properties with a simple rigidity percolation framework, and are able to show how the two constituents of the extracellular matrix interplay to create a network greater than the sum of its two parts. I will then investigate how we are able to adapt these models with spatial correlation to dramatically change their rigidity percolation properties. Finally, I adapt the degradation protocol we developed in the first chapter to investigate the effect of the extracellular matrix constituent concentrations on the lubrication properties of articular cartilage. Overall, this thesis champions the utility of the interplay of the experimental and the computational, by using computational models to map experimental results and provide predictive power outside the realms of testable limits, as well as by using experimental knowledge and understanding to inform our model making and create introducing theories to explore the natural world.