Touch & Perception: Numerical Modelling of Soft-Tissue Interaction

Rikeen's PhD is part of a jointly funded venture between the EPSRC and L'OREAL Research & Innovation. His's area of research involves numerically modelling skin-surface interaction in order to better understand the sensations of touch and perception. This involves developing finite element models of multi-layered hyper/viscoelastic soft tissue to observe the stress, strain and energy fields in the vicinity of mechanoreceptors. Data science methods are utilised to post-process and interpret simulation results. His current investigations surround the effects of skin ageing and deformation (geometric) friction on tactile perception. A better understanding of the processes of tactile perception and mechanotransduction have applications in a variety of fields, from the development of new skincare products, to the tailoring of product/surface engineering methods.