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Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
On the Development of the SIMon Finite Element Head Model
Erik G Takhounts1, Rolf H Eppinger, J Quinn Campbell
1National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Stapp Car Crash Journal
|November 11, 2006
Summary
The SIMon software
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Computational modeling
- Injury mechanisms
Background:
- Advanced anthropomorphic test dummies (AATD) generate kinematic and kinetic data.
- Interpreting injury mechanisms requires applying dummy data to human mathematical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the human finite element head model (FEHM) within the SIMon software.
- To establish injury metrics and critical limits for brain injury prediction.
Main Methods:
- Input: 3D head kinematic data (accelerometers/angular velocities).
- Injury metrics: Cumulative strain damage measure (CSDM) for diffuse axonal injury, Dilatational damage measure (DDM) for contusions, Relative motion damage measure (RMDM) for subdural hematoma.
- Model tuning: Cadaveric neutral density targets (NDT) data and animal brain injury experiments.
- Validation: Parametric alteration of numerical/physical parameters, comparison with NDT and injury data.
Main Results:
- Established parameters for satisfactory brain-skull motion prediction and injury/no-injury case separation.
- Critical limits for each brain injury metric were determined.
- SIMon FEHM predicted injury in cases with HIC15 > 700 and some side impacts with low HIC15.
- Side impacts showed higher potential for brain injury than frontal impacts due to rotational kinematics.
Conclusions:
- The SIMon FEHM provides a valuable tool for interpreting head injury mechanisms.
- The model demonstrates potential for predicting various brain injuries and identifying high-risk scenarios.
- Side impacts pose a greater risk to the human brain than frontal impacts.
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