Optimizing muscle mechanics for smart prosthetic (SL3UF2019)

Restoration of human functional activity has been a drive for many centuries dating back to early Egyptian and Greek civilizations. These interventions would often take the form of a prosthesis or an assistive device made from various materials depending upon the body part. Emerging technologies in the last two decades have enabled a new paradigm of manufacturing in this area, using biomimetic and light-weight materials; structural-optimization techniques; additive manufacturing and active robotic controls. Current state-of-the-art research is focused on the integration of a human body with artificial components, electronics, temperature, pressure sensors etc. for greater functionality and comfort. In parallel with these developments, a field of tissue engineering has progressed significantly with various relevant tissues now “fabricated” in vitro.

Building upon the existing success of the group on prosthetic mechanics of lower-extremity, the proposed project invites a suitable candidate to join the multi-disciplinary, dynamic research team to work on the “smart prosthetic” project. The candidate will focus on optimizing muscle biomechanics at the residuum for both juvenile and adult cases. This project is part of a larger multi-disciplinary project being pursued by academics from several Schools under the University’s strategic theme “Health & Wellbeing”.

Start date: 1 April, 1 July or 1 October 2020
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering, physics, applied mathematics or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage:
• Mechanical engineering
• Biomechanical engineering
• Solid mechanics
• Applied mathematics
• Physics
How to apply:
All applications are made online, please select the school/department name under the programme name section and include the quote reference number.

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research-applications/