Underbody blast effect on the pelvis and lumbar spine: A computational study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Injury Biomechanics
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Underbody blast (UBB) events pose significant risks to military vehicle occupants.
• Injury severity and patterns in lower extremities, pelvis, and lumbar spine are linked to vertical acceleration pulses.
• Previous work established a computational human model for tibia fracture simulation under UBB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance a computational human model with detailed lumbar spine and pelvis structures.
• To validate the improved model against component-level tests and cadaver sled test data.
• To investigate the impact of acceleration pulse parameters on pelvis and lumbar spine injury responses in UBB.

Main Methods:

• Development of a biofidelic computational model of the human pelvis and lumbar spine.
• Validation of the model using published component test data and cadaver sled test results.
• Parametric studies adjusting peak acceleration and pulse duration to simulate UBB waveforms.

Main Results:

• The validated whole-body model was used to analyze injury responses to varying UBB waveforms.
• Critical values for peak acceleration and time duration leading to pelvis and lumbar spine fractures were identified.
• A clear relationship between specific loading conditions and injury patterns was established.

Conclusions:

• The enhanced computational model accurately predicts injury responses to underbody blast events.
• Understanding the relationship between loading parameters and injury patterns is crucial for improving occupant protection.
• This research provides critical data for designing safer military vehicles against underbody blast threats.