ARL-HRED-STTC Tissue Characterization Research Initiative

There is a great deal of interest in simulation as an approach for training providers to develop and maintain skills and to theoretically model interactions of human tissue for military applications. Accurate theoretical models require accurate mechanical properties of the simulated tissue. The goal of this collaboration is to develop measurement capabilities to characterize human, animal and synthetic tissues for physical parameters. These parameters are the key element in developing both virtual and synthetic models to simulate interactions of tissue for both military injury prediction and medical procedure training. Initial efforts will result in a collaborative approach to characterization and sharing results. Measurements initially focus on bio-mechanical characterization and are expanding to electrical, optical and thermal effects. The Cooperative Agreement with ARL is developing complimentary measurement capabilities to characterize human, animal and synthetic models to so that we can develop realistic modeling and training systems.