Development, validation and a case study: The female finite element head model (FeFEHM).

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational modeling
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major global cause of death and disability.
• Finite element head models offer a cost-effective, ethical alternative to experimental TBI research.
• A validated female finite element head model (FeFEHM) is needed to study injury mechanisms and neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and validate a new finite element head model specifically for females (FeFEHM).
• Investigate injury mechanisms and neuronal damage in the female brain.
• Provide a tool for assessing repetitive impact scenarios and their effects on the female brain.

Main Methods:

• Utilized medical imaging and finite element modeling techniques.
• Developed age-specific material characterization of brain tissue using dynamic microindentation.
• Validated the model against novel experimental data of human cadaver brain displacements.

Main Results:

• The FeFEHM demonstrated biofidelic brain motion, with numerical displacements closely matching experimental data across all anatomical planes.
• Pressure field comparisons showed consistency between the FeFEHM and existing models.
• The model's accuracy highlights its potential for future research applications.

Conclusions:

• A validated FeFEHM with biofidelic brain motion has been successfully developed.
• This model represents a significant advancement for studying female head injury biomechanics.
• The FeFEHM will be instrumental in assessing the long-term consequences of repetitive impacts on the female brain.