Global Human Body Models Consortium

Computational modeling is a growing component of injury biomechanics and trauma research. The Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC) project is a multi-university effort to develop next-generation human body computer models for enhanced injury prediction and prevention.

The GHBMC includes 10 major automotive manufacturers and suppliers who are looking to consolidate model development into a single effort, with the aim of producing the most biofidelic simulated human body models available. Seven universities participate in the research effort.

The Wake Forest School of Medicine Center for Injury Biomechanics serves as the integration center for the project. We:

  • Recruit subjects to serve as templates for the model.
  • Scan the subjects in state-of-the-art medical imaging facilities.
  • Develop computerized anatomy.
  • Validate the computer model against experiments.

Engineers at the School of Medicine continue to work on this project, with the goal of developing an average male model in the position of a seated vehicle occupant. Currently, the group is responsible for refining the model geometry components or "elements," designing validation procedures, and reporting related research efforts through publications and presentations.

Constructing the Model

The group has developed a 50th percentile height and weight geometry, and is developing computerized anatomy of four targeted individuals to represent the population at large, ranging in size from a 4-foot-11-inch female (fifth percentile) to a 6-foot-2-inch male (95th percentile). Each geometrical model will contain more than 400 body parts that are necessary to predict some of the most common injuries sustained in crashes.

The final computerized models will have over 2.5 million pieces, which will allow engineers to extract data on how the body behaves in a crash. This data will help researchers estimate the risks of diverse injuries, from a broken femur to mild traumatic brain injury.