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    GRK 3144: Multiscale Imaging and Analytics of Interfaces in Musculoskeletal Health
    The interdisciplinary Research Training Group (RTG) program entitled "Multiscale Imaging and Analytics of Interfaces in Musculoskeletal Health" extends beyond traditional assessments of bone quantity and density to investigate the complexities of musculoskeletal integrity. This program seeks to understand the interactions between bones, muscles, tendons, fat, and vessels, including their interfaces. By integrating biomedical and technological insights, the program aims to drive innovation in diagnostics and preventive healthcare. Its research objectives include exploring the muscle-fat-bone axis, the tendon-bone interface, the role of vascularization in skeletal health, advanced imaging techniques, models for tissue interfaces, and the use of posture and motion as health indicators. Graduates will gain proficiency in state-of-the-art imaging, disease modeling, and machine learning techniques focused on interfaces, equipping them for addressing global challenges in medicine and technology. The Qualification Program is designed to train a new generation of interdisciplinary STEM scientists in musculoskeletal research. Spanning three cohorts over nine years, it emphasizes skill development in interdisciplinary project management, research ethics, and foundational musculoskeletal research knowledge. Networking opportunities are facilitated through workshops, industry excursions, and international conferences. The inclusion of a Mercator fellow position and the involvement of physicians promote international collaboration and research profile development. This program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and industry, with a strong emphasis on ethical conduct, collaborative skills, and independence. Located in Hamburg, the RTG benefits from the Interdisciplinary Competence Center for Interface Research (ICCIR) and operates across five laboratory campuses in Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Harburg, and Hamburg’s Science City Bahrenfeld. The University Medical Center Hamburg (UKE) provides an interdisciplinary research environment, laboratory facilities, and high-resolution imaging tools. The Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) specializes in engineering sciences, with a focus on artificial intelligence, data analysis, and computational modeling. Hereon, a member of the Helmholtz Association, offers large-scale facilities for synchrotron science and bone interface research. Hamburg's strategic positioning, robust research infrastructure, and collaborative culture create an optimal setting for musculoskeletal research. The RTG is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality, providing support and initiatives for female scientists. Our interdisciplinary approach not only strengthens healthcare and technological innovation but also prepares graduates for significant roles in academic and corporate research sectors, benefiting both the local and global research communities.
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    A remeshing approach for the finite cell method applied to problems with large deformations
    Das Forschungsprojekt zielt darauf ab, die Finite Cell Methode (FCM), eine fiktive Gebietsmethode hoher Ordnung, zur Strukturanalyse von Problemen mit großen Verformungen, einschließlich Elastoplastizität und Kontaktproblemen, weiterzuentwickeln. In der ersten Projektphase haben wir erfolgreich eine robuste Neuvernetzungsstrategie innerhalb der FCM entwickelt und implementiert, um große Verformungen simulieren zu können. Unserem Simulationsansatz fehlt jedoch die dringend erforderliche Modellierung von Kontakt- und Selbstkontakt-Szenarien, was die Notwendigkeit einer zweiten Projektphase verdeutlicht. Diese Phase zielt darauf ab, die FCM zur effektiven Behandlung von Kontaktproblemen zu erweitern, indem die Neuvernetzungsstrategie verfeinert wird. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt liegt auf der Weiterentwicklung des Third Medium Contact (TMC) Ansatzes innerhalb des FCM-Rahmens. Derzeit wird TMC mit geometriekonformen Finite-Elemente-Netzen verwendet, jedoch ist dessen Anwendung für fiktive Gebietsmethoden wie die FCM weitestgehend unerforscht. Standardansätze erfordern, dass die Finite-Elemente-Netze an die Gebietsgrenzen angepasst werden, um Materialübergänge innerhalb von Elementen zu vermeiden. Zur Integration von TMC in die FCM planen wir den Einsatz speziell entwickelter Anreicherungsfunktionen entlang der Gebietsgrenzen, um so die schwache Diskontinuität an den Kontakträndern präzise zu erfassen. Wir erwarten, dass dieser Ansatz die Ergebnisse der FCM verbessert, da die Materialgrenzen durch die Anreicherungsfunktionen besser abgebildet werden. Eine große Herausforderung ist die Robustheit des TMC-Ansatzes, die mit geeigneten Stabilisierungsverfahren erhöht werden muss. Die Wirksamkeit bestehender Stabilisierungsverfahren für TMC im Kontext fiktiver Gebietsmethoden ist aufgrund des Fehlens geometriekonformer Netze unklar, was die Konditionierung des Problems verschlechtern und zu Instabilitäten führen kann. Ergebnisse aus der ersten Projektphase zeigen jedoch, dass die Stabilität der FCM durch speziell entwickelte Stabilisierungsstrategien erheblich verbessert werden kann. Daher besteht ein zentrales Ziel dieser zweiten Phase darin, Stabilisierungsverfahren für TMC im Rahmen der FCM zu entwickeln und zu erforschen. Zur Untersuchung der Robustheit und Effizienz der FCM, insbesondere in Bezug auf Neuvernetzung und Kontaktbehandlung, werden wir ausgewählte Benchmark-Probleme verwenden und weiterentwickeln.
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    Computational and experimental investigation of the biomechanical effects of implants on spinal segment function
    Spinal deformities often require surgical intervention with implants to restore alignment and stability. Due to the complexity of these procedures and the biomechanical challenges that follow, proximal junctional failure (PJF) is common and it includes proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and fractures. Despite extensive research examining risk factors and increasing utilization of intraoperative prophylaxis techniques, studies demonstrate a high incidence of PJK with 31.3% being revised within two years. Our goal is to leverage recent advancements in the finite cell method (FCM), finite element analysis (FEA), and the Phase-Field Method (PFM) to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of spinal deformities treated with implants, validated through experimental testing. We will create detailed 3D models of individual vertebrae, functional spine units (FSUs), spine segments, and implant components such as rods and screws, using data from CT and micro-CT scans. Macro-FEA will be applied to analyze overall biomechanical responses, while FCM will provide high-resolution insights at the lamellae level, with a focus on implant-lamellae interactions. The macro- and micro-scales will be interconnected by exchanging data between FEA and FCM. The inhomogeneous and anisotropic material properties of the vertebrae, calculated via numerical homogenization of the micro-CT model, will be integrated into the macro FEA for enhanced structural analysis of vertebrae and FSUs. A novel approach is proposed to link macro- and micro-scale analyses for predicting potential vertebral damage. On the macroscopic scale, a FE model incorporating homogenized material properties will be used to analyze the FSU and individual vertebrae, identifying regions prone to damage based on principal strain criteria. These regions will be further examined using FCM applied to micro-CT scans, and the PFM material model on the macro scale will be calibrated using FCM simulations. This integrated micro-macro approach will allow for a thorough evaluation of potential implant failure and the onset of adjacent segment failure. The computational results will be validated through both experimental testing and clinical observations, ensuring accurate simulation of real-world conditions. This comprehensive method provides a solid framework for optimizing patient-specific pre-surgical planning and surgical techniques, ultimately leading to better outcomes in the treatment of spinal deformities.
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