Facilities & Services
Computational Tools and Capabilities
UMTRI Biosciences staff has considerable expertise in developing and using computational models and in performing complex analysis on a wide variety of biomechanical, anthropometric, and crash/injury data. Biosciences researchers are using the three-dimensional crash-victim simulation model known as MADYMO to investigate occupant kinetic and kinematics in motor-vehicle crashes, to assess changes in ATD design and dynamic performance, and to study knee-thigh-hip loading rates in frontal crashes of late-model vehicles. LS-DYNA finite element analysis software has been applied to the development and use of an infant-head impact finite element model (FEM) to estimate infant-head impact response and injury tolerance. It is currently being used to study the effects of muscle tension on the risk of knee-thigh-hip injury.
Biosciences researchers routinely develop customized data-processing and analysis programs using software such as Mathematica, Visual Basic, SQL, and Labview. For example, a recent project involved the development of a computer program to provide biomechanical researchers and modelers a graphical interface to MS Access for selecting and viewing quantitative data on radiographic-based cervical-spine geometry in the automotive posture based on stature, age, and gender. Mathematica is used routinely to develop customized programs to analyze anthropometry and posture data, and to develop posture-prediction models, models of seatbelt fit, and other models related to driver accommodation. Results from these models have been used in conjunction with Jack and RAMSIS ergonomics software to provide industry human factors and safety engineers with updated design tools to improve driver protection and accommodation.
Biosciences staff members use SAS, SPSS, and SUDAAN to perform statistical modeling of injury patterns and injury causation using NASS-CDS, CIREN, FARS, GES, CODES, and UMIVOR databases. Rigorous analyses of these databases are performed using appropriate statistical techniques and tools while considering the strengths and limitations of each database. Biosciences expertise in in-depth crash investigations, the biomechanics of injury causation, and occupant positioning provides UMTRI researchers with unique insight when interpreting results of these analyses.