Fast method for real-time prediction of soft-tissue deformation

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three year PhD to commence in April 2024. 

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Technology, and will be supervised by Dr Martino Pani, Dr. Andres Felipe Galvis Rodriguez and Dr. Andrea Bucchi.

Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£18,622 for 2023/24). Bursary recipients will also receive a £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables. 

Mechanical behaviour of soft tissue is characterized by a highly non-linear response with an elastic regime with finite deformations. Numerical modelling using hyper-elastic constitutive laws based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) are widely adopted for getting robust and reliable solutions in may technical problems. Nevertheless, the required significant computational effort makes this approach not applicable in the context of real-time application, such as virtual-surgery, where a limited time lapse is available to provide the necessary visual and tactile feedback.

Recently developed algorithms and approaches proposed in the computer graphic arena seem to make a real-time simulation possible as prescribed in a virtual-surgery. These techniques have the potential to describe cutting, tearing and piercing of the tissue, basic need in the virtual surgery that cannot be easily accommodate in a FEM framework, even in an off-line and time-consuming simulation.

This research project aims to refine and translate such new computational technology in a product to be used in clinical environment as a training tool. For such application, a realistic behaviour of the soft tissue is crucial: the in-silico model must provide a realistic replica of the in-vivo situation; a correct visual and tactile feedback to the surgeon is mandatory to allow them to appreciate the interaction between the (virtual) surgical tool and the tissue. Both these aspects are currently not properly developed and this research will enhance the current state of the art for such commercial system.  

The research team has a strong background in theoretical continuum mechanics and experimental modelling of hyper-elastic materials including soft tissue, as well as multi-physics computational modelling. The team has developed numerical procedures for finite element, boundary element and meshless method such as smoothed particle hydrodynamics and cell-method.

Entry requirements

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Martino Pani (martino.pani@port.ac.uk)  to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SMDE8570124 when applying.