Biomecánica: Estudio de Comparación de Propiedades Mecánicas de un Fémur Promedio tras Experimentar 18 Meses Bajo Microgravedad (Caso Eventual: Viaje a Marte y Retorno).

Abstract

Nowadays it is known that degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis or osteopenia are the cause of a large percentage of serious injuries and deaths around the world; Similarly, it has been found that the human body experiences a decrease in bone density when subjected to microgravity environments for long periods of time, directly affecting the mechanical properties of bones and muscles, thus resulting in potential risks of fractures, accelerating the propensity to suffer these bone diseases. The purpose of this research project was to verify the resistance of a healthy average femur before and after exposure to microgravity for a period equivalent to a round trip to Mars, simulating an everyday scenario such as walking and the loads that imply on the femur itself. Thus, it was necessary to consult various academic references, manipulate 3D modeling software and static load analysis by finite analysis method, in addition to using mathematical models that express the governing relationships in human biomechanics, thus obtaining the parameters of the process involved directly on the bone under study. According to the analysis, the value of the ultimate strength obtained before and after the referred period was contrasted, allowing perception of the degenerative bone conditions resulting from loss of bone density, resulting in a 54% decrease of the femur elasticity modulus and critical fracture risk by suffering advanced osteopenia.