SIMULATION-BASED DESIGN AND MATERIAL MODELING FOR ENT IMPLANTS

Abstract

The motivation of the development of patient specific nanofibers composite prosthesis is to help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from ENT-related diseases. This work proposes simulation-based design methodologies and material modeling of carbon nanocomposite for ENT implants, based on patient-specific models in order to tailor the designs to patients? needs. A predictive model for the attenuation of sound waves through carbon nanocomposite was proposed due to the latter?s superior damping properties. The model shows close agreement with experimental results for low weight percentage of carbon nanotube and nano-fiber fillers of up to 1%. Secondly, a probabilistic algorithm was introduced that utilizes initial experimental data to model and predict the mechanical properties of the material. The mean results predicted were as accurate as within 3 standard deviations from the experimental mean. Lastly, the simulation-based methodology was applied in the development of a patient-specific artificial trachea made of CNT-PDMS.