Modeling for Military Operational Medicine Scientific and Technical Objectives (Articulated Human Biomechanical Modeling Toolbox) (Part I: Overview, Rigid Body Formulations, and Examples)

Abstract : In the first phase of the project to develop an articulated human biomechanical modeling toolbox (AHBM), efforts were made to review the current status of modeling techniques and to develop rigid body formulations suitable for human biomechanical modeling. The developed version-one of the toolbox, AHBM Vi, consists of kinematics, inverse and forward dynamics algorithms, data conversion routines, graphical algorithms, and many utility routines for mathematical calculation and file operation. Both inverse and forward sample models, such as a 3D lower extremity model, a 3D whole body human model, and a human head-neck model, were developed. AHBM Vi was also used for two application projects: upgrading gait analysis software for USARIEM; and developing a new method to understand the airbag external load behavior and bag-occupant interaction for Department of Transportation. The following specific tasks were completed in the first phase * Review of current techniques for human biomechanical modeling * Developing three-dimensional kinematics algorithms * Developing forward dynamics formulations for multibody constrained systems * Developing commonly used algorithms related to inverse dynamics analysis * Developing data structure and data conversion routines * Developing some graphical algorithms for visualizing data and model * Developing utility routines for mathematical calculation and file operation * Developing example problems for both inverse and forward dynamics analysis In the phase two of the project, efforts will be focused on reviewing and developing muscle models. The muscle models will be included in AHBM V2. This will expand the toolbox's capabilities to handle human biomechanical modeling where muscle activities have to be accounted for. Specific applications may include solving muscle load sharing in inverse dynamics analysis and understanding overuse injuries related to muscle activities.