A fast ligament model with scalable accuracy for multibody simulations

Abstract Multibody musculoskeletal models are important tools to perform kinematic, kinetostatic, and dynamic analyses of the whole human body. In these models, bones regarded as rigid bodies, while different strategies used model structures such muscles ligaments. this context, ligaments often represented using a finite set spring-like elements compute wrench applied (multibundle model). While is fast easy be implemented, it can suffer from inaccuracies due limited number fibers their positioning. study, ligament proposed overcome limitations, representing an infinite distribution which on obtained. The takes advantage thin-plate spline mapping fiber structure by defining correspondence between points two insertions. accuracy performances verified compared standard multibundle model. Results indicate that faster more accurate than Moreover, modified according application in order decrease computational time.