Development of the CAVEMAN Human Body Model: Validation of Lower Extremity Sub-Injurious Response to Vertical...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational modeling
• Injury analysis

Background:

• Military focus on improving injury prediction for Warfighters due to improvised explosive device (IED) threats.
• Limitations of Hybrid III anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) in predicting diverse skeletal injuries.
• Need for advanced human body models capable of analyzing both skeletal and soft tissue damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Computational Anthropomorphic Virtual Experiment Man (CAVEMAN) lower extremity model for expanded injury analysis.
• To assess the CAVEMAN model's capability in predicting skeletal and soft tissue injuries.
• To enhance occupant survivability analysis in military vehicles.

Main Methods:

• Development of the CAVEMAN human body model using a Zygote 50th percentile male CAD model and finite element analysis on high-performance computing (HPC).
• Inclusion of detailed anatomical structures in the lower extremity model: 28 bones, 26 muscles, 40 ligaments, fascia, cartilage, and skin.
• Conducting sensitivity studies for load transmission in underbody blast (UBB) environments and biofidelity evaluation using Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin (WIAMan) cadaveric data.

Main Results:

• The CAVEMAN lower extremity model incorporates detailed anatomical components for comprehensive injury analysis.
• Sensitivity studies identified critical structures for load transmission in the leg during underbody blasts.
• Biofidelity evaluation demonstrated the model's accuracy against cadaveric testing data.

Conclusions:

• The CAVEMAN model offers advanced injury prediction capabilities beyond traditional ATDs.
• Extension to anatomical tissue failure in the CAVEMAN model will significantly improve occupant survivability assessments.
• This computational tool is vital for enhancing Warfighter safety in combat vehicles.