Master's/Bachelor's thesis (f/m/x) in the field of musculoskeletal modelling

What to expect

In the department of Flight Control and Simulation we develop numerical simulation models of aircrafts and flight controllers, which are then tested in our dynamic motion simulation center (DMSC). Thereby, the human operator has a crucial impact on the whole human-aircraft system, in the worst case leading to unstable behavior. Thus, the consideration of the human operator already in the numerical simulation would be highly beneficial. Our activities aligned with the so called DLR HumanBody Library aim on the development of such a model suitable for human-vehicle systems assessment. In your thesis you will connect both the simplified but computational efficient HumanBody library and a detailed musculoskeletal model using the software OpenSim. With your work you will enable the estimation of individual muscle forces and loads of human operators already in the simulation.

Your tasks

• Familiarize with the open source musculoskeletal human model OpenSim and its features
• Familiarize with the DLR HumanBody Library (Modelica)
• Develop an interface between the HumanBody library and OpenSim in order to derive individual muscle activations and loads from a musculoskeletal model
• Validate your approach with experimental data from a previous motion simulator study
• Conduct your own subject study using our optical motion tracking system

Your profile

• First experiences in programing/ modelling languages such as C/C++, Python, Matlab or Modelica
• Enrollment in mechanical/ engineering, informatics or a comparable study programme, ideally with focus on modelling and simulation
• Interest in working in an innovative and interdisciplinary field
• Being able to work responsibly and independently