93842 - Metallic Biomaterials M

Learning outcomes

The student acquires basic skills on the main metallic materials used for biomedical applications with particular reference to implantable devices and prostheses in the human body. The study of processes and treatments aimed at improving specific massive and surface properties of biomedical devices, the analysis of possible damage mechanisms, as well as the methods to analyze and contrast them, will allow the student to make the correct choice of the metallic biomaterial according to the in-service conditions.

Course contents

Introduction to the module of “Metallic biomaterials”. Explanation of the program, the teaching material and the evaluation method. Requirements of biomaterials. Main classes of metallic biomaterials. Peculiarity of metallic biomaterials compared to other biomaterials in terms of chemical, physical and mechanical properties. 

Fundamentals of Metallurgy: Structure- process-properties correlation. Phase diagrams. Microstructure and crystal structure. Lattice defects of point, line and surface and theory of plastic deformation. Strengthening mechanisms of metals.

Production processes of metallic biomaterials (casting, plastic deformation, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing) and their effects on microstructure and mechanical properties.

Fatigue of Metallic Biomaterials: Main fatigue testing methods. Metallurgical and mechanical factors influencing fatigue resistance. Optimization of production processes and treatments to control fatigue resistance. Introduction to linear elastic fracture mechanics: stress intensity factor and fracture toughness.

Tribology of Metallic Biomaterials: Phenomenology of friction and wear, and control methodology. Main wear processes and related mechanisms. Tribological biosystems.

Stainless steels and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, designation, main physical and mechanical properties, heat treatments and surface modifications, applications.

Titanium alloys and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, designation, main physical and mechanical properties, heat treatments and surface modifications, applications.

CoCr alloys and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, designation, main physical and mechanical properties, heat treatments and surface modifications, applications.

Shape memory alloys and their biomedical applications. Chemical composition, main physical and mechanical properties, application examples.

Failure analysis methodologies: metallography and fractography.

An introductory video for the course is available through the Link to additional information at the bottom of the page.

Readings/Bibliography

Course material: slides used by the teacher (in italian) available in the Virtuale repository, as password-protected pdf files.

Specific references are reported at the end of the slides for each subject of the course.

Teaching methods

Classroom and/or onlines lectures according to the timetable and to the pandemic emergency.

The teacher also proposes:

- Visits to the Metallurgy laboratory to illustrate the main equipment and methods for the microstructural, mechanical and fractographic characterization of metals.

- Seminars on specific topics held by people (doctors and engineers) working in the field of metallic biomaterials.

Attendance is recommended for a better learning of fundamental concepts.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by means of a final oral exam. Foreign students may ask for a written exam.

The oral session consists of 2 questions aimed to an analytical assessment of the expected learning outcomes, that are:

1. Knowledge of the main properties of metallic biomaterials of major use. 

2. Ability to make the correct choice of the most suitable metallic biomaterial and treatment to satisfy specific functions in use.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject and a comprehensible use of technical language. A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject and an inappropriate use of technical language. Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic and deep understanding of the subject, a good capability of connecting different topics and a proper use of technical language.

The grade for this module will be communicated immediately after the examination. The final grade recorded for the Integrated Course is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the two course modules. When the average ends in 0.5, it is rounded up to the next integer. The distinction of cum laude is awarded only if it has been achieved in both modules.

Examinations schedule is available in advance on the University of Bologna web site AlmaEsami. Students intending to take the exam must subscribe in AlmaEsami and must show a ID document on the day of the exam.

Examination Schedule and Registration

The examination schedule is published well in advance on the AlmaEsami online platform of the University of Bologna. Students wishing to take the examination must register for their chosen examination session through AlmaEsami within the designated registration period and present a valid form of identification on the day of the examination.

Each examination session has a specific opening and closing date for registration.

Working Students and Student Athletes

For each examination period, students officially recognized by the University as working students or student athletes may request an alternative examination date in place of one of the regular examination sessions.

Requests must be submitted to the course instructor at least 14 days before the first scheduled examination date of the session, in order to arrange a common alternative date for all eligible students.

Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with permanent or temporary disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service as early as possible:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it

The support service will assess individual needs and, where appropriate, propose reasonable accommodations. Any proposed accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination for approval, taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

Academic Integrity

In accordance with the Code of Ethics of the University of Bologna, students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity.

Any attempt to obtain an unfair advantage during examinations—including cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized access to online teaching materials, or the use of unauthorized artificial intelligence tools—is strictly prohibited.

Students are reminded that the mere possession of unauthorized materials or electronic devices during an examination will result in the immediate invalidation of the examination and referral to the appropriate University authorities.

Violations of these regulations may lead to disciplinary proceedings and, where applicable, referral to the competent legal authorities if the conduct constitutes a criminal offence. In such cases, students may also be subject to criminal prosecution.

Teaching tools

• Computer and multimedia projector.
• Seminars delivered by engineers and orthopaedic specialists on topics related to the course. 
• Visit to the Metallurgy Laboratory.
• Students requiring accommodations due to permanent or temporary disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) may arrange appropriate support measures through the University of Bologna Disability and SLD Support Service: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti

Links to further information

https://youtu.be/YfcBDI0TRi4

Office hours

See the website of Lorella Ceschini