Human Body Models (HBMs) are used in many crash test simulations. The drawback of these models is that they are very complex and computationally demanding. Also, the models used were of 50th percentile male body (a person of about 175 cm tall and weighing 77kg). Though multiple human models exist in the market, they are not all parametric.  As a result, it was difficult to determine the comfort level and the possibility of pressure injuries for people with different body structures. There are parametric models in several CAD programs, but they are generic and not specialised on lower torsos and buttocks of wheelchair users. To address this issue, a simplified human body model was developed parametrically to study the above parameters for wheelchair users. This simplified model offers significant benefits for wheelchair users, including improved comfort, reduced risk of pressure injuries, and a better understanding of the impact of vibrations on the user.  Medical device companies are increasingly using computational models and simulations to replicate human anatomy and physiology and understand the impact of vibrations on the user. These virtual human models can be used during new concept development's design, testing, and optimization phases to improve user comfort. Also, accurate modelling of the complexities of human physiology can validate the performance of a wheelchair in its working environment.

This thesis aims to develop a parametric CAD model of the human body (from the waist to the knee) for both male and female users and establish a framework for developing complete parametric human body models for comfort and pressure evaluations. This thesis includes a literature review on existing HBMs and hyper-elastic material data for the tissues. A CAD model of the human thigh buttock involving skin, fat, muscle, and bone is developed, linking parameters into these models, and its simple simulation is performed, implementing simple hyperelastic material into each model for feasibility purposes.

Keywords: Parametric Human Body Modeling (P-HBM), Finite element method, Pressure Mapping, material model for Skin, Fat & Muscle.