Abstract:
The Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS), developed by Toyota Corporation, is a highly biofidelic finite element (FE) model widely used for biomechanical analysis.
Originally designed for different simulation platform, THUMS was adapted for use in Abaqus for this study. Given the focus on forward head posture, the model was further modified to retain only the vertebral column while preserving geometric integrity.
To validate this adaptation, initial simulations employed static structural analysis, assuming isotropic elastic materials. However, enhancing biomechanical accuracy requires incorporating hyperelastic material properties for intervertebral discs (IVDs). A key challenge in this transition arises from THUMS’ intricate geometry, characterized by a high element-to-node ratio due to shared nodes among components. This complexity increases computational demands and may cause convergence issues when implementing hyperelastic materials.
This refinement is crucial for advancing toward dynamic implicit simulations, where accurate time-step management is essential for predictive human body modelling. Addressing these challenges will improve the model’s fidelity in representing spinal biomechanics under dynamic loads, enhancing its utility for impact and injury analysis.
This study outlines the methodology for material model transition, examines computational constraints, and proposes solutions to improve stability and efficiency in hyperelastic FE modelling. The findings contribute to optimizing THUMS for advanced biomechanical simulations, expanding its applications in injury biomechanics and human safety research.
Presenters:
Katterine Rios PhD Student - University College Dublin & TEMA - Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro Researcher in the field of biomechanics, working within the Medical School’s Diagnostic Imaging and Machine Learning group. Additionally, an active member of the Brain Lab at the School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering. Her PhD research focuses on the biomechanics of the stomatognathic system and spine, with a particular emphasis on understanding how the upper cervical spine position influences lumbar spine biomechanics and related pathophysiological processes. To achieve this, I utilize advanced computational modeling techniques and has proficiency using Abaqus, Hypermesh and FeBio. | |
Afonso J.C. Silva PhD Student - University College Dublin & TEMA - Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro Afonso J. C. Silva earned his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aveiro in 2022. During his studies, he developed expertise in CAD, the mechanical behavior of materials, and numerical simulation, gaining proficiency in software such as 3D Slicer, MeshMixer, Hypermesh, Abaqus, and SolidWorks. |
