Hierarchical Experimental Characterization of the Human Rib Cage for Nonlethal Projectile Impact Applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational modeling
• Non-lethal weapons technology

Background:

• Kinetic energy non-lethal weapons require safety validation.
• Computational torso models aid in evaluating projectile designs.
• Experimental data is essential for validating biomechanical models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present biomechanical test data from Post-Mortem Human Surrogate (PMHS) experiments.
• To validate computational torso models for non-lethal weapon safety assessments.
• To characterize the biomechanical response of the human torso to projectile impacts.

Main Methods:

• Three series of PMHS experiments were conducted.
• Rib velocities were measured during impacts with rubber projectiles.
• Dynamic 3-point bend tests were performed on individual ribs.

Main Results:

• The layer of flesh and muscle significantly affects rib response.
• Intermediate ribs (6-8) are stiffer than upper and lower ribs.
• Anterior impact locations are more compliant than lateral and posterior locations.

Conclusions:

• Experimental data validates computational torso models for non-lethal weapons.
• Flesh, rib level, and impact location are critical factors in torso response.
• Study provides data for characterizing isolated rib, bare, and fleshed rib cage responses.