# FEBio - Finite Elements for Biomechanics and Biophysics

> **NIH NIH R01** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2021 · $435,634

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Finite element analysis has become an indispensable tool for research and discovery in the biomedical sciences.
Historically, the lack of an open software environment that was tailored to the needs of the field hampered
research progress, dissemination of research and sharing of models and results. To address these issues, we
developed the FEBio software suite, a FE framework designed specifically for analysis in biomechanics and
biophysics, during our first funding period (2007-2011). FEBio employs mixture theory to account for the multi-
constituent nature of biological tissues and fluids, unifying the classical fields of irreversible thermodynamics,
solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, mass transport, chemical reactions and electrokinetics. During the second
funding period (2012-2016), we implemented chemical reactions between constituents of a mixture and we
broadened the target audience for FEBio by developing a plugin environment that made it easy to add features
or interface other software with FEBio. During our third funding period (2016-2020), we developed a novel FE
framework for simulation of compressible and incompressible CFD, extended this framework to enable analysis
of FSI (Fluid-Structure Interaction) problems, and we enhanced algorithmic, analysis and numerical capabilities
in FEBio by implementing efficient iterative linear solvers and preconditioners, new nonlinear solution strategies,
and adaptive meshing. In this competing continuation application, we propose three aims: 1) Formulate and
implement a computationally efficient damage and fatigue failure framework for fibrous tissues; 2) Extend our
multiphysics algorithms to solute transport and reactions in fluid domains, and tissue growth and remodeling in
fluid domains and at their interfaces with multiphasic domains; 3) Integrate the use of image data through our
entire simulation pipeline, from model setup to model validation. These new capabilities will expand the
applicability of FEBio to new fields of biomedical research, increasing our user base and facilitating scientific
advancement.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10256014
- **Project number:** 5R01GM083925-14
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** GERARD A. ATESHIAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $435,634
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2008-09-30 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10256014

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10256014, FEBio - Finite Elements for Biomechanics and Biophysics (5R01GM083925-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10256014. Licensed CC0.

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