Biomechanical model of the thorax under blast loading: a three dimensional numerical study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational modeling
• Trauma research

Background:

• High-speed dynamic loads, like blasts, pose significant injury risks.
• Understanding blast trauma mechanisms is vital for military personnel safety.
• Existing research involves experimental and numerical approaches to study blast impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanical consequences of blast loadings on the human body.
• To develop and validate a three-dimensional thorax finite element (FE) model for blast simulations.
• To analyze injury mechanisms and tolerance limits under dynamic loading conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized finite element (FE) methods with specific formulations to simulate blast loading.
• Developed and validated a 3D thorax FE model.
• Observed mechanical parameters, including air and internal organ pressures, during simulated blasts.

Main Results:

• The FE model successfully simulated blast loading effects on the thorax.
• Observed pressure changes in the air field and internal organs were analyzed.
• Results were compared with existing experimental data in the literature.

Conclusions:

• The study provides encouraging results for understanding blast-induced human body responses.
• The validated FE model can be further used for in-depth soldier trauma investigations.
• This research contributes to improving safety and protection strategies against blast injuries.