Modelling and simulation of phenomena occurring during impacts in biomechanics

Aim of project
The project aims at improving the research tools (mainly for simulation purposes) used in the field of biomechanics of impact to be employed for the development of new methods that allow to lessen the eff ects of transport accidents (mainly traffic ones), accidents when doing sports and at workplaces. Because of the risk of serious or ever fatal injuries to people, experimental investigations in the fi eld can involve “real objects” only in a limited number of cases. When one deals with high loadings it is necessary to use models; both material (cadavers, animals, diff erent types of dummies) and computer simulation models.

In detail, the project aims at the development of the following advanced methods and tools for:

Assessment of data reliability, comparison and analysis of data, clustering and extracting important information from simulations, experimental investigations (conducted using a variety of models) as well as from the information about courses and effects of real accidents;

Modeling of the human musculo-skeletal system when subject to impact loading, following the multi-body approach supplied with true-geometry of joints/contact zones, without the necessity for fi nite element method (FEM) application;

Hybrid modeling that combines both the multi-body and FEM approaches.
As well as:

Putting forward new biomechanical Injury Criteria;

Providing sample case studies that can illustrate the proposed methods for solving problems of improving passive safety of car users and in sports.

Expected results
The results obtained from the investigations will contribute to the development of computer methods used in biomechanics of impact and are targeted at achieving a very important, from the point of view of the public interest, goal of improving traffic safety (limiting the effects of traffic accidents — number of fatalities and permanent disabilities, as well as reducing the number of minor injuries that may not pose hazard to life, but in a large number do involve high costs to be paid by a society).