Student Projects
Biomechanical Investigation of a Self-Lubricating Hip Prosthesis in the Presence of an Articulating Femoral Head
Current joint replacements cannot replicate the natural weeping lubrication mechanism found in cartilage, resulting in a typical implant lifespan of about 15–20 years due to friction and wear, often leading to revision surgery, particularly in younger patients. Inspired by the load-induced self-pressurization behavior of articular cartilage, we aim to design and develop a novel self-lubricating hip prosthesis that mimics this physiological lubrication mechanism. We have developed a self-lubricating hip prosthesis model in COMSOL Multiphysics that integrates three coupled multiphysics phenomena: Fluid–Structure Interaction, Free and Porous Media Flow, and Poroelasticity. In this semester project, the computational model will be extended by incorporating the femoral head to represent the physiological articulating joint configuration more realistically. The study will investigate how the presence of the femoral head influences fluid pressure distribution, fluid transport, and lubrication behavior within the prosthesis under physiological loading conditions. In addition, the effect of the non-Newtonian rheological behavior of synovial fluid on the lubrication response of the system will be examined. Students with a background in mechanical engineering, particularly in fluid dynamics, are encouraged to apply. Prior experience with COMSOL Multiphysics is beneficial but not mandatory.
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Semester Project
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Published since: 2026-04-09 , Earliest start: 2026-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-08-01
Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Hosts Mosayebi Mahdieh
Topics Engineering and Technology
Automation and optimization of a melt electrowriting sytem for layered osteochondral scaffold fabrication
We are looking for a motivated master’s student to work on the automation and optimization of a melt electrowriting (MEW) system, with the aim of enabling the reproducible fabrication of layered scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering. The project combines machine-level development with biofabrication and scaffold design, focusing on improving process control and extending MEW toward mechanically integrated cartilage–bone constructs.
Keywords
Melt electrowriting (MEW) ; Biofabrication ; Osteochondral Scaffolds; Articular Cartilage; Subchondral Bone; Additive Manufacturing; Tissue Engineering; Scaffold Design
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2026-02-13 , Earliest start: 2026-02-23 , Latest end: 2026-08-28
Organization Tissue Mechanobiology
Hosts Amicone Alessio , Pizorn Jaka
Topics Engineering and Technology