Shape memory wires as artificial muscles: an experimental approach

Abstract

– The paper discusses various simulation and modelling techniques adopted by researches, that are 
discussed individually and then collectively with regard to their relevance to the current work. The intervertebral 
disc muscles and vertebral bones are critical components of the spine. So, a simplified model of an intervertebral 
disc is developed and subjected to compressive flexion and torsional loading. The effects of different artificial 
muscles are investigated and the results are compared with the experimental data of mammalian muscles 
The long-term goal is to develop an artificial laboratory spine with active muscles that could be used to test 
spinal devices and instrumentation