Modeling, experiment, and validation of a piglet head.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational Biology
• Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death and disability in infants and toddlers.
• Ethical considerations limit direct experimentation on child heads, necessitating alternative models.
• Piglet head models serve as a viable substitute for studying pediatric TBI mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a high-fidelity finite element (FE) model of a 4-week-old piglet head.
• To assess the model's capability in predicting head impact responses and intracranial pressure (ICP).
• To provide a tool for investigating the mechanisms of TBI in children.

Main Methods:

• A detailed FE model of a piglet head was constructed, incorporating brain, skull, and soft tissues.
• Material properties of piglet head components were experimentally determined.
• The FE model was validated against quasi-static and dynamic impact tests (free-fall and drop-hammer).

Main Results:

• The FE model demonstrated high bio-fidelity, with simulation results closely matching experimental data.
• Average errors for contact force peaks and durations were approximately 12.9% and 6.8%, respectively.
• Average errors for intracranial pressure (ICP) peaks and durations were approximately 8.9% and 9.9%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The validated piglet head FE model accurately predicts head global response and ICP.
• This model serves as an effective tool for evaluating modeling strategies for pediatric TBI.
• The model aids in understanding the mechanisms of TBI under various loading conditions.