Award-Winning Research
Neck Muscle Analysis of Vehicle Occupants
Revolutionizing automotive safety through advanced biomechanical research and 3D muscle modeling
Revolutionizing automotive safety through advanced biomechanical research and 3D muscle modeling
Understanding anatomical variations to enhance vehicle safety design
Diverse demographics including varied genders, sizes, statures, and ages
Advanced CT scan analysis using Mimics, 3D Slicer, and TotalSegmentator
Precise measurement and correlation analysis of neck muscle areas
Current vehicle safety designs often overlook the significant variation in neck muscle sizes among different individuals, potentially leaving some occupants more vulnerable to injuries such as whiplash, than others.
Our research at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), sponsored by Toyota, addresses this critical gap. By constructing detailed 3D models of neck muscles using CT scans from over 100 diverse participants, we've uncovered important patterns that could revolutionize how we approach vehicle design, particularly for neck safety.
The findings reveal that men generally possess larger neck muscle cross-sectional areas compared to women, while taller and heavier individuals tend to have proportionally larger neck muscle areas. These discoveries aren't just academic—they have real-world implications for creating adaptive safety features that protect all vehicle occupants, regardless of their physical characteristics.
Consider the difference between a petite woman and a tall, muscular man sitting in the same vehicle. Traditional one-size-fits-all safety systems may not provide optimal protection for both. Our research provides the foundation for developing intelligent safety systems that can adapt to individual anatomical variations, ensuring that every person receives the protection they need in case of a crash.
Data-driven insights that are reshaping automotive safety standards
Men consistently demonstrate larger neck muscle cross-sectional areas compared to women, indicating the need for gender-specific safety considerations in vehicle design.
Taller individuals exhibit proportionally larger neck muscle areas, suggesting height-based adjustments could enhance safety system effectiveness.
Heavier individuals tend to have larger neck muscle areas, providing insights for weight-adaptive safety mechanisms in modern vehicles.
This research represents more than academic achievement—it's a pathway to saving lives. By understanding how neck muscle anatomy varies across populations, automotive engineers can design safety systems that truly protect everyone, not just the average occupant.
Explore the award-winning poster summarizing the full research process and key findings.
