Biomechanics

Research
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Research Areas
Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems, using the methods of mechanics. Biomechanics can be applied to whole organisms, organs, cells and cell organelles. Biomechanical experimental measures and computational approaches are fundamental to nearly every possible biomedical engineering application.

In BME at Northwestern University, rigid body biomechanics research aims to better understand the neural control of movement, to improve rehabilitation interventions, and to develop medical devices such as exoskeletons, prosthetics, and orthotics.  Our faculty also use biomechanics as a tool to uncover the mechanisms of sensorimotor integration, and to develop biomimetic robots. Many of our research interests in the cardiovascular and visual systems rely on methodologies from fluid and continuum mechanics.

Biomechanics Faculty

Some faculty specialize in particular research applications within biomechanics: Cardiovascular, Drug Discovery and Delivery, Rehabilitation, and Vision and Ophthalmology. See below for faculty involved in each application. 

Cardiovascular

Drug Discovery and Delivery

Rehabilitation

Vision and Ophthalmology