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Evaluating Primary Blast Effects In Vitro
Published on: September 18, 2017
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Evaluating Pelvis Response During Simulated Underbody Blast Loading.
Thanyani Pandelani1, Diagarajen Carpanen2, Spyros D Masouros3
1Unisa Biomechanics Research Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0184, South Africa; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|December 10, 2023
Summary
Under-body blasts from improvised explosive devices cause severe pelvic fractures. This study used cadaveric specimens to analyze fracture patterns from simulated blast impacts, revealing key injury mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Trauma research
- Military medicine
Background:
- Blast injuries from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are a leading cause of death in modern conflicts.
- Under-body blasts (UBBs) transmit high loads to vehicle occupants, causing significant torso and pelvic injuries.
- Pelvic fractures resulting from UBBs have high mortality rates but poorly understood injury mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the injury mechanisms of pelvic fractures resulting from under-body blast (UBB) events.
- To characterize the types and severity of pelvic fractures under simulated UBB loading conditions.
Main Methods:
- Three fresh-frozen male pelvic specimens were subjected to axial impact loading.
- A 12 kg mass was dropped onto the pelvic specimens at velocities ranging from 1 to 8.6 m/s.
- Impact parameters (time to peak velocity: 3.8–5.8 ms) simulated under-body blast (UBB) loading profiles.
Main Results:
- Fracture patterns included bilateral pubis rami fractures, bilateral ischium fractures, and sacroiliac joint disruption.
- The study identified distinct injury types correlating with specific impact velocities and loading profiles.
- Results provide biomechanical data on pelvic response to UBB impacts.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates pelvic fracture mechanisms relevant to under-body blast (UBB) injuries.
- Findings contribute to understanding the high mortality associated with pelvic fractures in blast-related trauma.
- This research can inform the development of improved protective measures for vehicle occupants.
