Abstract
The Articulated Total Body Model (ATB) is used for predicting gross segmented body response in various dynamic environments. The ATB computer program, originally written by the Department of Transportation as a Crash Victim Simulation (CVS) program, was later modified by the Calspan Corporation and More recently by the Armstrong Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (AAMRL) to allow for aerodynamic force applications, harness belt capabilities and hyper-ellipsoidal graphical display of the modeled segments. The ATB model has been successfully used to investigate gross human body responses to bodies placed in such complex dynamic environments as high-speed aircraft ejection. This ATB model is quite versatile due to the variety of inputs it can handle. Because of this versatility , a wide range of physical systems may be simulated.
In this work, the ATB computer program has been modified for use on the Apollo workstation and utilized to predict limb and joint limitations a modeled human arm for the purpose of creating more effective rehabilitation schedules. A patient’s left shoulder, left-upper and left-lower arm have been modeled for a case study. The required information consists of segment physical dimensions, weight .center of gravity and maximum forces and torques obtainable from various body muscles. From this information, forces a graphical display of desired segment positions, and numerical approximations of forces, torques, positions, velocities, and accelerations of any desired point of the modeled segment. A comparison of this numerical output found from the ATB will be made with actual patient response, further input will be created tracking the patient's rehabilitation progress. A mathematical model of this will be incorporated into the ATB for the purpose of predicting future patient responses and a predicted schedule for disabled patient rehabilitation.An accurate numerical and visual prediction of patient responses and limitations would be very beneficial in the creation of rehabilitation schedules. For such a service to be obtainable in a hospital environment, the ATB must be executable on a personal computing level. The Apollo workstation was selected for this project due to its relative mobility and availability. Many similar computing systems could be used where the criteria of mobility, large memory capabilities and superior graphics are obtainable. These criteria must be met so that the ATB could eventually be used by physicians in a clinic or office environment.
Document Type
Report
Presentation Date
April 1991
Recommended Citation
Laudon, M. F., "Implementation of the Articulated Total Body (ATB) Model on an Apollo Workstation" (1991). Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE). 140.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/oure/140
