Project Card 13

Conceptual Design of a Trauma Biomechanics Laboratory

Project Pathway

🟥 Prevention, Design & Systems Thinking

1. Background & Motivation

Trauma biomechanics research and education rely heavily on experimental facilities capable of reproducing injury-relevant loading conditions and measuring biomechanical response. Well-designed trauma biomechanics laboratories support injury mechanism research, validation of numerical models, safety equipment testing, and education.

In developing countries, including Iran, the establishment of such laboratories is often constrained by limited funding, infrastructure, and access to commercial equipment. However, strategic, phased, and purpose-driven laboratory design can enable meaningful trauma biomechanics research even under these constraints.

This project aims to develop a conceptual and strategic design of a trauma biomechanics laboratory, tailored to local needs, priorities, and resources, while maintaining biomechanical relevance and scientific credibility.

2. Core Biomechanical Question

How can a trauma biomechanics laboratory be strategically designed to investigate injury mechanisms and support education and research under realistic resource constraints?

3. Laboratory Focus and Scope

The student must define a clear laboratory focus, such as one (or a combination) of:

• Automotive trauma biomechanics
• Sports injury biomechanics
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) testing
• Occupational or fall-related trauma
• Educational and teaching-focused laboratory

The chosen focus must be justified based on societal relevance, research impact, and feasibility.

4. Design Approach

This is a systems-level design and planning project.

The student is expected to:

• Translate injury biomechanics objectives into laboratory functions
• Define required experimental capabilities
• Propose a modular and scalable laboratory architecture
• Balance ambition with feasibility

This project does not require actual construction or procurement.

5. Laboratory Architecture (Core Section)

The project must include a structured laboratory design covering:

a) Experimental Capabilities

• Injury types and loading scenarios to be studied
• Types of tests (impact, compression, sled, drop, etc.)
• Measurement needs (kinematics, forces, deformation)

b) Equipment and Instrumentation

• Essential equipment (core)
• Optional equipment (future expansion)
• Sensors and data acquisition systems

c) Space and Infrastructure

• Required space and layout
• Safety zones and shielding
• Power, data, and environmental considerations

Conceptual layouts or block diagrams are expected.

6. Phased Development Strategy

The project must propose a phased implementation plan, for example:

• Phase I: minimal viable laboratory
• Phase II: expanded testing capability
• Phase III: advanced research capacity

Each phase should include:

• goals,
• added capabilities,
• approximate cost range.

7. Validation, Standards & Credibility

The project must address:

• How experimental results would be validated or benchmarked
• Relationship to international standards (e.g., ISO, FMVSS, ECE)
• Strategies to ensure scientific credibility despite simplified setups

Students must discuss what claims the lab can and cannot support.

8. Feasibility & Resource Awareness

The project must include a realistic feasibility assessment:

• Cost estimation (order-of-magnitude)
• Local availability of equipment and expertise
• Staffing and training considerations
• Safety, ethics, and operational risks

Overly idealized laboratory designs will be penalized.

9. Expected Outcomes and Impact

The project should articulate:

• Research questions the lab could realistically address
• Educational impact (MSc, PhD, industry training)
• Potential for collaboration, funding, or policy influence

This section should reflect strategic thinking, not just technical design.

10. Deliverables

1. Final Report (20-25 pages, excluding appendices)
2. Conceptual laboratory layout and system diagrams
3. Equipment lists and phased cost estimates
4. Oral presentation (15-20 minutes)

Optional appendices:

• Example test protocols
• Risk assessment tables
• Expansion roadmaps

11. Project-Specific Grading Rubric

12. Project Scope Agreement

By choosing this project, the student agrees to:

• Focus on strategic and biomechanically grounded planning
• Respect local constraints and ethical responsibilities
• Clearly distinguish between current capability and future vision

Note:
A well-designed laboratory concept can shape years of trauma biomechanics research, even before the first experiment is performed.