Bridging the Gap Between Biomechanics and Modern Computer Architecture: Analyzing Bottlenecks in a Human Eye Simulation

Abstract

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a crucial tool in biomechanical simulations, enabling the study of complex biological systems under various conditions. FEBio, an open-source FEA software designed for biomechanic and biomedical research, is widely used for such applications. However, its computational performance across various workloads remains an important consideration for researchers seeking efficiency and scalability. This thesis evaluates the performance of FEBio using system-level and microarchitecture metrics, profiling tools, and comparative analysis in biomechanical simulation workloads. A case study on a finite element model of the human eye, from the glaucoma treatment study that inspired this project, provides a practical demonstration of FEBio’s computational behavior under realistic conditions. By identifying performance bottlenecks, analyzing their underlying causes, and proposing potential optimizations, this research contributes to improving the efficiency and resource utilization of biomechanical simulations, furthermore facilitating fruitful studies in the fields of bioengineering.