Can we reposition finite element human body model like dummies?

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational modeling
• Vehicle safety

Background:

• Repositioning finite element human body models (FE-HBMs) with high biofidelity is crucial for vehicle safety and injury biomechanics.
• Existing methods for repositioning FE-HBMs are often time-consuming and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an intuitive, effective, and efficient method for rapidly repositioning FE-HBMs.
• To adapt FE-HBMs for posture-sensitive applications like out-of-position occupant safety and adaptive pedestrian protection.

Main Methods:

• Proposes a novel method using pose parameters to prescribe joint configurations for dummy-like repositioning.
• Leverages differential geometry for bone surface repositioning and a morph-contact algorithm for soft tissue adaptation.
• Employs thin plate spline for transforming soft tissues and optimization for enhancing mesh regularity.

Main Results:

• The proposed toolbox can reposition the Total Human Body Model for Safety (THUMS) in minutes.
• Repositioned models are simulation-ready with maintained mesh quality.
• Demonstrated efficacy through car-to-pedestrian impact simulations with repositioned models.

Conclusions:

• The method offers an intuitive, effective, and efficient approach to reposition FE-HBMs.
• Pose parameters bridge the gap between FE-HBMs and human body perception/reconstruction techniques.
• Enables future development of high-fidelity digital twins for accident reconstruction and biomechanics investigation.