Title: FE-model CASIMIR enhanced muscle tissue approach

Authors: Alexander Siefert; Steffen Pankoke

Addresses: Woelfel Beratende Ingenieure GmbH + Co. KG, Hoechberg, 97204, Germany ' Woelfel Beratende Ingenieure GmbH + Co. KG, Hoechberg, 97204, Germany

Abstract: Finite element (FE) models of the human body are applied in a wide range of scientific and industrial investigations. Due to continuously improving software and hardware capabilities the model detailing is increasing step by step. A major challenge of this evolution is the realistic representation of soft tissues. Thereby, the modelling of the skeletal muscles causes particular requirements as the active filamentary force transmission has to be coupled with the passive volumetric behaviour. The work here presented describes the latest development for the human body model CASIMIR, including an enhanced approach of the tissues in the buttock and the thighs. In a first step, the passive and active properties are identified separately for skeletal muscle tissue and implemented via a discrete and volumetric model formulation. Validating the coupling of both material parts in a simplified setup, an investigation on an isolated muscle is carried out. Finally, the invented modelling technique is integrated in CASIMIR and used to investigate the influence of the thigh hamstrings muscle activity on the seat pressure distribution.

Keywords: CASIMIR; human body models; digital human modelling; finite element method; FEM; muscle tissue; seat comfort; seat pressure distribution; muscle activation; ride comfort; automotive seating; vehicle design; buttocks; thighs; hamstrings.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2012.051566

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2012 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.346 - 358

Received: 25 Apr 2012
Accepted: 04 Sep 2012
Published online: 29 Aug 2014 *

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