Current Projects:

We generally recommend that you complete the following courses before you start a project in our group:

• 202.064 Computational Biomaterials and Biomechanics
• 317.526 Finite Element Methoden in der Biomechanik

On this page, you find descriptions of potential projects that you can do at the group for Computational Biomechanics at the ILSB.

Estimation of re-fracture risk in the distal radius after volar plate removal (available)

Supervisor:

Dr. Synek

Student:

N.N.

Content:

• Clinical background: After successful treatment of a distal radius fracture with a volar plate, the implant (plate and screws) is often removed. The patient is then discharged form hospital, but left with several screw holes in the distal radius. The question is if there is an elevated fracture risk due to these screw holes compared to the native situation.
• Your task: To create an FEM model for a healthy radius and one with screw holes (geometries are available). To predict failure loads with both models and compare the outcome.
• Methods and tools: CAD modelling, FEM modelling 
• Required knowledge: Basics of image processing, CAD modelling, FEM and bone biomechanics

Parameter Study and Convergence Behaviour of micro-Finite-Element Solver ParOSol (available)

Supervisor:

Dr. Bachmann

Student:

N.N

Content:

• Question: The high performance micro-Finite-Element (µFE) solver "ParOSol" has several parameters that can be set to influence the solver. These parameter might or might not influence the convergence behaviour
• Your Task: A parameter study should be performed using different simple load cases (displacement and forces) of different model sizes
  • Furthermore, the literature should be checked what kind of parameters were used in the past
• Methods and Tools: In-house FE pre-processor written in python, FE Modeling using ParOSol
• Required knowledge: Finite Element Modeling

Sustainable Biomechanics: FDM printing of degradable materials for biomedical applications (available)

Supervisor:

Prof. Pahr

Content:

• Question: Which short-lived, personalized aids or devices in medical technology, made from FDM 3D printing, can be replaced by bio-based, compostable materials.
• Your Task:  Find possible application cases, manufacture them based on FDM 3D with bio-based, compostable materials.
• Methods and Tools: 3D Printing (Picture BioFil - Wood Ochre Washed 1.75mm)
• Required knowledge: none

3D-Printing: Interlocking FDM printing (available)

Supervisor:

Prof. Pahr

Content:

• Question: What possibilities are there to increase the strength by interlocking FDM printed layers in z-direction?
• Your Task: Expore software possibilities (commercial slicers, own slicers), print simple parts with our FDM printer and measure the strength via tensile tests.
• Methods and Tools: FDM slicing software and printers
• Required knowledge: Basics of FDM printing, basics of programming (Python)   

(picture from CNC kitchen)

Biomechanics in education: Biomechanical experiments on the MT-02 (available)

Supervisor:

Prof. Pahr

Content:

• Question: Is it possible to carry out simple biomechanical tests on viscous materials with the existing, self-built testing machine?
• Your Task: Familiarization with the existing testing machine and Arduino programming, consideration of simple mechanical tests in the field of biomechanics, carrying out the tests.
• Methods and Tools: In-house universal material testing machine (picture) 
• Required knowledge: Basics of material testing, basics of programming (Python)   

2D Feature Tracking from virtually deformed micro-structures (available)

Supervisor:

Prof. Pahr

Student:

N.N.

Content:

• Define & create a micro-structures with trackable features (artificial, bone, …)
• Do a simple 2D FE simulation of the undeformed image to get deformed images
• Use trackpy (or other software) to investigate the deformation of the feature
• Study objectives
  • Project Work 1: Explore the most accurate, easy usable tracking algorithm (trackpy, DIC Engine, 1x other)
  • Project Work 2: Explore the resolution effect (particle size vs resolution) of trackpy

Topology Optimization: Ceramics & Titanium (available)

Supervisor:

Dr. Synek

Content:

tbd

Form follows function - or does function follow form? (available)

Supervisor:

Dr. Bachmann

Content:

• Our bones are built to bare the loads of daily activities and they are both determined by their shape and the internal structure
• But what happens if the internal structure is altered or the shape is changed?
• Would the bones withstand the loads of daily activities in the same way?
• How is the load redistributed and what elements are responsible for which effect?
• An investigation is performed using (micro) finite-element solvers