BackgroundAmong other causes the long-term result of hip prostheses in dogs is determined by aseptic loosening. A prevention of prosthesis complications can be achieved by an optimization of the tribological system which finally results in improved implant duration. In this context a computerized model for the calculation of hip joint loadings during different motions would be of benefit. In a first step in the development of such an inverse dynamic multi-body simulation (MBS-) model we here present the setup of a canine hind limb model applicable for the calculation of ground reaction forces.MethodsThe anatomical geometries of the MBS-model have been established using computer tomography- (CT-) and magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI-) data. The CT-data were collected from the pelvis, femora, tibiae and pads of a mixed-breed adult dog. Geometric information about 22 muscles of the pelvic extremity of 4 mixed-breed adult dogs was determined using MRI. Kinematic and kinetic data obtained by motion analysis of a clinically healthy dog during a gait cycle (1 m/s) on an instrumented treadmill were used to drive the model in the multi-body simulation.Results and DiscussionAs a result the vertical ground reaction forces (z-direction) calculated by the MBS-system show a maximum deviation of 1.75%BW for the left and 4.65%BW for the right hind limb from the treadmill measurements. The calculated peak ground reaction forces in z- and y-direction were found to be comparable to the treadmill measurements, whereas the curve characteristics of the forces in y-direction were not in complete alignment.ConclusionIn conclusion, it could be demonstrated that the developed MBS-model is suitable for simulating ground reaction forces of dogs during walking. In forthcoming investigations the model will be developed further for the calculation of forces and moments acting on the hip joint during different movements, which can be of help in context with the in silico development and testing of hip prostheses.

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The range of possible applications of ironing processes reaches from the production of cylindrical pressure tanks, shock absorber pipes, battery and beverage cans to the production of flacons for the cosmetics industry. One goal of the finite element analyses of ironing processes is to gain knowledge about process limits regarding maximized forming capacity and optimized surface quality. The ironing process is characterized by parameters like friction, geometry of the ironing ring and anisotropic material behavior. Due to the high complexity of this process, it is complicated to detect these effects on the basis of experimental investigations only. Therefore, one of the aims of this study is to identify relevant process parameters by means of systematic numerical analyses. The design of experiments was utilized to create a model of the ironing process. By means of this model it was possible to reduce the punch load and to minimize the tensile stresses in the first stage of the analyzed ironing process.

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