An introduction to bond-graph techniques for biomedical system modeling

Abstract

Since engineers need to have reasonable competence in mathematics but practioners of the medical profes sions need not, the two groups often find it hard to work together in biomedical research. A key area in which such cooperation is essential is the building of models. This paper shows how the bond-graph technique may be used to develop linear dynamic models of biomedical systems that can be implemented on a digital computer. This technique requires vir tually no knowledge of mathematics, numerical methods, or computers, thus removing a communications barrier between the two groups. The technique is illustrated by applying it to a case taken from the biomedical literature. The result is a "whole-body model" which is useful in determining comfort factors which affect the design of suspension systems for passenger vehi cles. This paper shows how the physical model was represented by a bond graph and how this representa tion could be converted into a digital-computer model yielding engineering design data for a comfortable suspension system.