OpenVSP Human Mesh
OpenVSP's Human mesh is based on gaming meshes and is highly parameterized based on statistical population models. The guides below will demonstrate the main features of the Human geometry and walk you through how to adjust these features to create representative human analogues in your model.
Encyclopedia
Updated Sep 25, 2025
Introduction
The Human mesh component is an external mesh structured around an internal wire skeleton that is parameterized for your design. This component is intended to model the 5% to 95% statistical human form by using several anthropometric and pose settings which will alter the size, stature, posture, and pose. Because this mesh is generally watertight, you are able to run a variety of analyses in OpenVSP on this component such as mass properties, surface areas and volume, and even aerodynamics in VSPAERO (though only for fun). You may also export an STL of the human model for 3-D printing.
OpenVSP's Human mesh is based on gaming models and is highly parameterized based on statistical population models. The mesh is also incredibly fast to update so you can adjust settings in real-time. Human meshes are also subject to OpenVSP's collision detection within the model so you can check cabin clearances, personal space, object avoidance, etc.
Brandon Litherland
Aerospace Engineer
Anthropometric Settings
The Human component Anthropometric settings alter the physical characteristics of your human model such as the gender, stature or height, body mass, and age. These settings do not alter the angles or pose of the underlying skeleton but rather the shape of the wireframe mesh surrounding the skeleton.
The mass density of the Human mesh may be automatically calculated based on the anthropometric settings.
Brandon Litherland
Aerospace Engineer
Pose Settings
The Human Pose settings will alter the angles of the underlying skeleton inside the human wireframe mesh to position your model in the desired configuration. You may quickly switch between standing or sitting poses by choosing the preset from the dropdown and then clicking “Set.” Each pose angle may be independently controlled and you can choose to enforce right/left symmetry if you wish. However, the standing or sitting presets within the Pose settings are not adjustable.
If you want to save custom poses or anthropometric settings, leverage Variable Presets and they're only a click away!
Brandon Litherland
Aerospace Engineer