Master Thesis – Development of an Animal Body Model for FEM Simulations

Job description

Background

Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations are widely used to study how structures and materials respond to different loading conditions. Extending these methods to biological systems makes it possible to investigate complex biomechanical responses that can be difficult to study experimentally.

A key challenge when developing computational models of animals is creating an anatomically representative model that combines external body shape with internal structures and appropriate mechanical properties for different biological tissues.

In this Master's thesis, you will investigate and develop an animal body model for use in FEM simulations. The project will cover several stages of the modelling process, from identifying suitable anatomical data and reconstructing geometries to defining tissue properties and preparing the model for simulation.

Objective

The objective of the thesis is to create a finite element model of an animal.

The work will focus on identifying and combining suitable external and internal anatomical geometries, defining the relevant tissues and their mechanical properties, and translating the resulting anatomical model into a form suitable for FEM simulations.

Scope and Example Tasks

The thesis is expected to include several of the following activities:

• Perform a literature review of existing computational animal models and relevant biomechanical modelling methods.
• Investigate available sources of anatomical data, such as CT/MRI data, 3D scans, anatomical databases, and existing CAD or surface models.
• Identify suitable breed of dog based on availability in literature and popularity.
• Identify and reconstruct relevant internal anatomical structures, such as the skeleton, organs, muscles, adipose tissue, and skin.
• Process, clean, scale, position, and combine geometries obtained from different sources into a consistent anatomical model.
• Investigate suitable strategies for meshing complex biological geometries for FEM.
• Implement the resulting geometry, mesh, contacts/interfaces, and material definitions in an FEM environment.
• Evaluate the numerical behaviour of the model through selected simulation cases.
• Document assumptions, limitations, and recommendations for continued development and validation of the model.

The exact scope and level of anatomical detail will be determined together with the student based on available data, project requirements, and the intended application of the model.

Expected Outcome

The expected outcome of the thesis is a animal body model, or a substantial first version of such a model, together with a document of its development.

The work should also provide recommendations for future refinement and validation, including areas where additional anatomical or biomechanical data are required.

Basic qualifications

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for a motivated Master's student, or pair of students, with an interest in FEM, biomechanics, computational modelling, and anatomy.

Suitable backgrounds include Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Computational Engineering, or a related field.

Experience with FEM, meshing, CAD/geometry processing, medical imaging, programming, or biomechanical modelling is beneficial but not required.

We offer

The thesis offers an opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary engineering problem combining anatomy, biomechanics, material modelling, geometry processing, and finite element simulation.

More information

For more information please contact

Leila Jaber,
leila.jaber@sigma.se