Muscle force prediction

• Grant number: 14/18894-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: October 05, 2014
• End date: January 04, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Humberto Breves Coda
• Grantee: Jesus Antonio García Sánchez
• Supervisor: Walter Herzog
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Calgary, Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/05810-0 - Non-linear solid mechanics applied to biomechanics via Finite Element Method, BP.PD

Abstract

Experimental measuring of the force in the human muscles when they work is one of the most researched fields in biomechanics. Prior studies developed at Human Performance Laboratory at University of Calgary show an improvement in measurement of the mechanical properties of human skeletal muscles. One possible approach to better understand the real behavior of muscles is by proposing realistic numerical models. These models should be capable to describe the biomechanical behavior helping the experimental measurements of musculoskeletal forces. Therewith this research project aims to create the basis to develop a numerical model that accurately simulates the muscle mechanical behavior via an appropriate characterization of muscle properties and a correct understanding of how the skeletal muscles generate forces. The postdoctoral research that is being carried out by the candidate requires developing an accurate mechanical model to compute the forces in muscle. Therefore, an internship at the HPL will allow a better understanding of the problem based on the experience they have on this topic. (AU)