Computational
Biomodeling Core
Director: Ahmet Erdemir, Ph.D., erdemira@ccf.org
Team: Craig Bennetts, M.Sc., bennetc2@ccf.org
The Computational Biomodeling (CoBi) Core is a fee-for-service facility offering advanced numerical modeling for simulation-based medicine. CoBi uses state-of-the-art computational techniques and engineering approaches to provide physics-based modeling and predictive simulations of biological systems. The Core's facilities and expertise can be used to investigate problems spanning multiple physical domains and scales, involving a variety of engineering and biological disciplines. Examples of physical phenomena include but are not limited to rigid body dynamics (musculoskeletal movements), solid mechanics (tissue deformations), control systems (neuromuscular system), fluid-solid interactions (cardiovascular dynamics), bioelectricity (cardiac electromechanics), mass transport (pulmonary system and drug delivery). Multiscale modeling is a growing interest of the Core, including many levels of the physiome, as in molecular dynamics, cellular mechanics and signaling, tissue and organ modeling, and systems biology.
Mission
CoBi aims to provide cost-effective solutions for advanced computer simulation needs in biological systems to Cleveland Clinic community as well as to external research and industrial groups. CoBi is established
- to advance research on simulation-based medicine nationwide,
- to provide efficient computational tools and interfaces for clinical applications, and
- to promote utilization and development of open source model development and simulation software in medical community.
Services
CoBi services focus on model development and simulation, consulting, and training in order to investigate mechanical and biological phenomena. CoBi's involvement is not necessarily limited to scientific assistance; it may also include guidance and implementation for project management, experimentation and data analysis. CoBi also provides grant-writing and publication support for investigators' who are interested in implementing CoBi's capabilities in their research. Training can be in the form of supervision during the project or can be conveyed by lectures.
Contact Ahmet Erdemir or Craig Bennetts to discuss potential projects.
Scientific Areas of Expertise
- rigid body dynamics
- solid mechanics
- optimization and optimal control
- finite element method
- inverse finite element analysis
- musculoskeletal movement simulations
- soft and hard tissue mechanics
- human movement science
- analysis of biomechanical data
- in vivo and in vitro biomechanical experimentation
Scientific Areas of Interest
- multidomain coupling: concurrent simulations of musculoskeletal dynamics and tissue mechanics
- surrogate modeling: computationally efficient representations of complex models
- multiphysics simulations: fluid-solid interaction in biomechanical applications (e.g. vascular biomechanics, heart mechanics)
- multiscale modeling: cellular and molecular biomechanics
- meshfree methods
Approach
Following an initial assessment of the requested project, CoBi prepares a proposal detailing the required tools, timeline, methodology and final products. A quote, hourly based or per project fee, depending CoBi's role (see below), is also provided. Upon completion of the project a final report and other relevant products (code, data, models, simulation results) are compiled into electronic media and returned to the investigator.
- CoBi as Contractor: CoBi takes responsibility to conduct the computational biomodeling project from start to finish.
- CoBi as Consultant: CoBi provides state-of-the-art knowledge and training to the interested investigator and his/her research team.
- CoBi as Collaborator: CoBi is fully integrated with the investigator's research program.
CoBi is housed within the Department of Biomedical Engineering. For inquiries regarding project assessment, pricing and possible pathways of CoBi integration, contact Ahmet Erdemir (+1-216-445-9523, erdemira@ccf.org).