Thesis Worker - FE Simulations for Thoracic Spine Injury Prediction

Thesis Worker at Volvo Cars
Welcome to explore the world of Volvo Cars by writing your thesis with us! As a thesis worker in our organization you are supported by a supervisor who follows you during your project. All thesis projects are arranged in business critical areas and therefore you will be able to contribute to our company purpose – providing freedom to move in a safe, sustainable and personal way – from day one!
 

About this opportunity - Background

Thoracic and lumbar spine fractures have increased in relative importance since the 1990s – with the improvement of vehicle safety several other moderate and severe injuries have been reduced while the risk of spinal fracture in a vehicle crash has remained relatively constant. To address this, Volvo introduced Run-off Road protection which can help reduce the risk of spine injuries by energy absorption. To improve the analysis capability to predict the risk of spinal injury further, our Finite Element (FE) Human Body Model (the SAFER HBM) has been updated with a strain-based injury prediction for lumbar spine fractures.
 

Scope of the thesis work

In this thesis, the lumbar spine injury prediction capability is to be extended to the thoracic spine of the SAFER HBM. The thoracic spine in the SAFER HBM is modelled using the same methods as the lumbar spine, but no isolated test data for thoracic spine compressive fractures is available why verification of the injury predictions must be done with respect to whole body experiments. The aim of the thesis is to review the literature for such tests with both injury and no injury outcome, and model them to verify thoracic spine fracture predictions with the SAFER HBM.
 

In this project, students will learn to run occupant crash safety FE simulations in LS-Dyna and to do impact biomechanics analyzes. Tasks include:

• Review recent relevant impact biomechanics literature on tests that can produce thoracic spine fractures in automotive impacts and related, such as under body blast loading and pilot ejection seat testing.

• Model and simulate these experiments using finite element simulations with the SAFER HBM.

• Post-process, calculate HBM to experiment correlations and analyze spine fracture predictions.

What you´ll bring

The MSc-project is suitable for two students, preferably with good knowledge of the FE method, biomechanics, and scripting. The work will be carried out at Volvo Cars Safety Centre during spring 2024. FE simulations will be done using the LS-DYNA FE software.

Duration

• The work will start in January 2025 (to be discussed)

• The duration for this thesis work is 20 weeks.

• 30 ECTS (academic credits) if in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University

• This thesis is to be conducted by 2 Students working in pair.

Be part of the change – apply today!

Applications should include your CV and a brief personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials. We are continuously screening applications and will fill the position as soon as we find a good match. So do not hesitate to send in your application.

Apply as soon as possible but no later than 2024-10-31

Please note that due to GDPR applications via email will not be accepted.

If you want more information about the project or simply learn a bit more about the team, please reach out to:

• Manager, Babak Nejabat at babak.nejabat@volvocars.com

• Supervisor, Jonas Östh at jonas.osth@volvocars.com

Volvo Cars - Driving change together

Volvo Cars’ success is the result of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with around 43,000 employees across the globe. At Volvo Cars, your career is designed around your skills and aspirations, allowing you to reach your fullest potential.