Fourth
year projects for 2012
"Automated generation of patient-specific computational models from
radiological images". This work is in collaboration with
Projects suggested by students in mathematical modelling and computer
simulation of mechanical, biomechanical and electromechanical systems
(especially in biomechanics and robotics) are welcome.
NEW: Modelling fracture
of materials using cellular automata.
Some very complex phenomena, that at the first sight
look random, such as turbulent fluid flow or crack propagation in breaking
materials, are very diffucult to model using a traditional approach based on
mathematical equations. This project will investigate the applicability of the
alternative to mathematical equations: direct observation of the evolution of
cellular automata. Mathematica software package will be used. Strong
mathematical and programming skills are essential to be successful in this project.
NEW: Mechanical properties of brain-skull interface
These properties are unknown, and at the same time critically
important for modelling head injury and neurosurgery. Smart experiment is
needed.
Biomechanics (see also www.mech.uwa.edu.au/ISML):
Biomechanics:
modeling and computer simulation of brain tumour growth
Modelling the
growth of brain tumours is a very challenging problem of continuum mechanics.
It requires knowledge of patophysiology as well as solid mechanics. This is a
perfect project for a student with strong mathematical background and
willingness to learn about cancers.
Biomechanics:
Surgical simulation
The goal
of this research is to model and simulate deformable objects for applications
requiring real-time interaction. We are particularly interested in medical
applications including simulation-based training, skills assessment and
planning, as well as other non-medical domains where real-time interactivity is
needed.
Biomechanics:
Computer simulation of brain extension and torsion in vitro
Recent
developments in robotics technology, in particular the emergence of automatic
surgical tools and robots as well as advances in virtual reality techniques,
call for closer examination of the mechanical properties of brain tissue. To
improve the capabilities of surgical operation planning and surgeon training
systems based on the virtual reality techniques, the prediction of the brain
deformation based on the model is needed. The project will involve building
Finite Element Model (using ANSYS and ABAQUS) of cylindrical brain samples and
simulating the loads applied during in vitro experiments conducted in 1999 in
The model
will be geometrically simple but will incorporate non-linear mechanical
properties of brain tissue.
Biomechanics:
computer simulation of hydrocephalus – comparison of single-phase and bi-phasic
models
Hydrocephalus
has been modeled using two very different mathematical frameworks. In this
project these frameworks will be quantitatively compared and conclusions drawn
as to which method is preferable.
Biomechanics:
Computer simulation of contact mechanisms in synovial joints
It is
known that contact processes occurring in synovial joints are associated with
arthritic conditions. The understanding of these processes occurring in
synovial joints appears to be a vital link in understanding and controlling
osteoarthritis. In this project a computer model of contact between
articulating surfaces of synovial joint in sliding motion will be developed.
Comprehensive, fully non-linear, mathematical model of the contact mechanism
will provide new insights into operation of asymptomatic as well as
pathological joints.
Biomechanics:
Robotic total knee replacement - the investigation into the optimal contact
surface between a bone and an implant
Presently
surgeons prepare a flat surface between a tibia and the implant in the total
knee replacement procedure. However, the introduction of robots to operating rooms
allows preparation (cutting) quickly and precisely fairly complicated contact
surfaces. The objective of this project is to find an optimal shape from the
point of view of the stress distribution in the bone. Creating simple, linear
finite element models will be required.
Biomechanics:
Modelling of intervertebral disc pathologies by Finite Element Method
A lot of
people suffer from back pain. One of the causes of the low back pain are
pathological processes occurring in the intervertebral discs, generally called
discopathy. The objective of this project is to construct a finite element
model of the disc and its endplates so that the possible mechanical reasons for
the disc failure can be investigated.
Biomechanics
(numerical methods): Investigation of stepping algorithms for large
systems of ordinary differential equations.
This is a
numerical methods project. Love of mathematics is required..
Biomechanics:
Investigation of influence of material properties on computations in
displacement-zero traction problems
This is a
finite element simulation project using ANSYS.
Robotics:
Single-DOF haptics interface to display icons, e.g. names from a mobile phone
phonebook.
This thing
can be easily done, but a lot of invention and initiative from students is
required
Robotics:
Rolling robots.
Design and
build a 2D rolling robot with a single actuator changing the position of a
center of gravity -> this can be a single pendulum.
(Final year project version - build a 3D (spherical) robot with two pendula)
Karol Miller's Page| UWA Home
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LAST UPDATE: 8 October 2008 http://www.mech.uwa.edu.au/~kmiller/projects09.html