Mechanism of head and neck response to -Gx impact acceleration: a math modeling approach

Mathematical modeling has attained wider acceptance in recent years. In particular, the use of computer programs to simulate the dynamic response of a human in a crash situation has become an attractive alternative to full-scale experimental testing. This paper analyzes data on the dynamic response of the living human head and neck to -Gx impact acceleration, where the motion of the subject's head and neck in the midsagittal plane was monitored with inertial instrumentation and high-speed photography for confirmation. The Calspan "3D Computer Simulator of Motor Vehicle Crash Victims" was used to predict expected responses for the deceleration pulses employed. These estimates were compared to the fully instrumented human test runs. The standard 15-segment and 14-joint representation of the occupant was modified to include two sternoclavicular joints, increasing the articulation in the upper torso. Analysis of the data indicated that muscular activity in the head and neck seemed to be evident and does influence motion of the head, even at relatively high (10-G peak, 530 G/s onset) acceleration levels. Simulation of muscular contraction, using a spring-damper arrangement, improved the results significantly. Additionally, possible limitations to head-to-neck motion, such as ligament restrictions, were also modeled.