BACKGROUND: Despite three-dimensional (3D) finite element model is helpful for the analysis of the injury mechanism and mechanical characteristics of knee joint, there are few researches on dynamic movement simulation of knee joint. OBJECTIVE: A 3D finite element model of normal male knee joint was established to dynamically simulate the movement of knee joint and analyze the biomechanical characteristics and relative movement of the tibio-femoral joint under different flexion angles, so as to provide a 3D finite element model for the investigation of knee biomechanics, and provide basis for the design of personalized knee prosthesis and 3D printing. METHODS: The knee joint from a healthy male adult was scanned by CT. Then, a normal 3D finite element model of knee joint was constructed by Mimics, Hypermesh and Abaqus. Simulation and stress analysis of knee joint were carried out under different loads. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The constructed finite element model of knee joint could accurately reflect the geometrical structure and biomechanical characteristics of the knee joint, and could simulate multiple movements of knee joint and was effective for biomechanical research of the knee joint. (2) In the process of simulating knee flexion at 0°-60°, the range of knee valgus angle was 3.34°-6.13°, and the range of internal rotation angle was 1.56°-29.17°. The femur had a significant posterior shift relative to tibia, and the shifted distance was from 4.36 mm to 7.23 mm. (3) At knee flexion 0°, the maximum contact stresses of femur cartilage, tibial cartilage and meniscus were 1.45, 1.03 and 2.59 MPa, respectively, and 6.41, 6.73 and 8.65 MPa, respectively at knee flexion 60°. (4) Our findings indicate that in the process of simulating knee flexion at 0°-60°, the range of knee valgus angle is relatively small, and stable, while the range of internal rotation angle is relatively large. In the process of simulating knee flexion at 0°-60°, the contact stress of femoral and tibial cartilage gradually increased with the varied flexion angle, while the changes of contact stress of medial and lateral menisci are different, the changes of medial meniscus are much great, and the contact stress of lateral meniscus is relatively stable. The contact stress of medial meniscus is greater than that of lateral menisci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]