Pressure response analysis in head injury

Abstract

A new approach to generating physical and numerical models of the human head is presented and we aim to investigate whether it is possible to predict the response of the head for a particular impact scenario using these modeling techniques. Finite Element (FE) and Rapid Prototyped (RP) models were generated from the conversion of 3D image data. Both the numerical and physical models were used to validate an approximate analytical model based on full 3D elasticity equations as developed by one of the authors. Good agreement was observed between the three modeling techniques and large transient pressure amplification at the site of impact was observed for impacts of low duration. In this paper, analytical, numerical and experimental models were used in parallel to explore the pressure response of the human head as a result of low velocity impact. The models were generated using a technique adapted from the marching cubes approach which automates the generation of meshes based on 3D scan data and allows for a number of different structures (e.g. skull, scalp, brain) to be meshed simultaneously. Although the study was based on simplified models, the three-way validation provides confidence in results which might be obtained from models with increased bio-fidelity. Beyond its significance in the area of head impact biomechanics, the study has demonstrated that numerical models generated from 3D medical data in parallel with exact physical replica models can be used effectively to simulate physical processes. This is particularly useful when considering the risks, difficulties and ethical issues involved when using cadavers. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.