Research
The aim of the department is to conduct high quality research in the field of experimental and computational biomechanics and to train highly qualified scientists.
The Department of Biomechanics was founded after the appointment of Prof. Dieter Pahr in 2016 and, together with his laboratory at the Vienna University of Technology, is part of the Inter-University Biomechanics Laboratory (IUBL-Lab). Biomechanics is a research focus at KL. The affiliated biomechanics laboratory enables biomechanical investigations of biological tissues, implant systems and biomaterials of all kinds.
Main research fields
In the Department of Biomechanics, the focus is on basic and clinically guided, application-oriented research on the human musculoskeletal system. Current research topics are:
- New diagnosis and treatment methods for bone diseases and injuries
- Development of new biomechanical testing and analysis methods
- Biodegradable magnesium alloys
- Replication of biological tissues and anatomical areas using 3D printing
- "OpenBone": web-based bone database and analysis methods
Competences and available research methods
The research group has a modern biomechanics laboratory (BMLab) and a computer laboratory at its disposal. Typical investigation methods are
- Bone and tissue biomechanics
- Static and dynamic material and structural characterisation
- Medical imaging and image processing (microCT, QCT, XR, DXA)
- CAD design and CNC manufacturing
- Computer modelling and simulation (OpenSim, Abaqus, Hyperworks)
- 3D printing of plastics, ceramics, silicone
- Micro CT measurements and analytics
- Software development with C++, Python, VTK, ITK
