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Published on: May 18, 2015
Biomechanical responses of a pig head under blast loading: a computational simulation
Feng Zhu1, Paul Skelton, Cliff C Chou
1Bioengineering Center, Wayne State University, 818 W. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. fengzhume@gmail.com
Summary
Computational models simulated pig head responses to shock waves. The study found increased pressure in the skull and frontal/occipital brain regions, indicating potential injury sites, especially near the brainstem.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Computational modeling
- Traumatic brain injury research
Background:
- Understanding head injury mechanisms is crucial for developing protective strategies.
- Previous research often lacks detailed biomechanical analysis of shock wave interactions with cranial structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To computationally investigate the biomechanical responses of a pig head to a shock tube environment.
- To analyze the distribution of pressure, shear stress, and principal strain within the head during shock wave impact.
Main Methods:
- Development of a detailed finite element model of a pig head using Lagrangian formulation.
- Creation of a shock tube model utilizing the multimaterial arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (MMALE) approach.
- Integration of models with a fluid/solid coupling algorithm for shock wave-head interaction simulation.
Main Results:
- Finite element model predictions of pressure traces showed good agreement with experimental data.
- Observed pressure enhancement in the skull due to shock wave reflection.
- Identified higher pressure in frontal and occipital brain regions, and elevated principal strains near the foramen magnum, indicating potential injury risks.
Conclusions:
- The validated computational model provides insights into head injury biomechanics under shock loading.
- Brain tissue exhibits shock attenuation properties.
- Specific regions like the frontal, occipital, and brainstem areas are identified as vulnerable to injury from shock wave impacts.
