Methods for optimization of bone-substitute architectures
Project title: Methods for optimization of bone-substitute architectures
Recruiting and hosting institution: Politecnico di Milano
Country: Italy
PhD enrollment: Politecnico di Milano
Supervisors: Politecnico di Milano (I): P. Vena, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute (AU), B. Misof.
Objectives: To implement an optimization scheme for personalized bone-substitute implants.
Expected Results: Algorithms for implementing optimization methods integrating multidisciplinary objectives and constraints. Optimal design for the four clinical cases will be achieved.
Description: DC1 position is about investigating the following aspects
- Definition of design parameters (e.g. geometrical parameters) for the specific implant to be designed. Multi-disciplinary input will be managed in this task by defining quantitative parameters representing the implant response or constraints in the different areas (to mention a few: wall thickness, pore size, average/maximum curvatures or pore connectivity);
- Development of computational models able to determine the implant response in terms of biomechanics (stiffness and strength, fluid permeation and tissue growth) as functions of the design parameters;
- Development of algorithms for the identification of the optimal implants will be formulated by identifying the design parameters (selected within the design space) minimizing multi-disciplinary objective functions with prescribed constraints.
The Doctoral Candidates will interact with other members of the project’s DCs in a multidisciplinary setting by taking part in training sessions and workshops. Each DC will also conduct secondments in order to broaden her/his scientific understanding of the project’s subject and develop soft skills.