Implementation and validation of a human whole-body model for hammer drilling use cases

Considering human needs is becoming increasingly important in product development. Thus, musculoskeletal disorders caused by, e.g., hammer drill applications are to be reduced. Ergonomic aspects should therefore be taken into account from the early stages of product development. Virtual human models play an important role, since they enable to estimate the load on the user in a resource-efficient way. Compared to conventional methods, musculoskeletal human models can be used to investigate, e.g., joint moments and muscle activation with reduced effort. In order to be able to simulate an application with the help of such a model, external forces that act on the user during the application are applied to the model in addition to kinematic movements. The subsequent analysis makes it possible to evaluate and compare the user stresses.

Assignment:

The objective is to implement a human whole-body model in the open-source software OpenSim. Already existing models are to be used and combined. Then, the whole-body model is to be validated using experimental data of hammer drilling use cases.

Your profile:

• You are studying mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, computer science, engineering or a similar degree program
• Fluent language skills in German or English
• You work independently and reliably
• Knowledge of MATLAB and C++ is profitable, but not mandatory

If you are interested or have any questions, feel free to contact me: susanne.sutschet∂kit.edu