Dynamic Response of the Human Head to Impact by Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

The impact response of the human head has been determined by three-dimensional finite element modeling. This model represents the essential features of a 50th percentile human head. It includes a layered shell closely representing the cranial bones with the interior contents occupied by an inviscid continuum to simulate the brain. A thin fluid layer was included to represent the cerebral-spinal fluid. To validate the model, its response was obtained by applying a sine-squared pulse of 6.8 kN in magnitude and 10 ms in duration. The load was applied to a freely supported head on the frontal bone in the midsagittal plane. The computed pressure-time histories at 5 locations within the brain material compared quite favorably with previously published experimental data from cadaver experiments and provided a reasonable level of confidence in the validation of the model. A parametric study was subsequently conducted to identify the model response when the impact site (frontal, side, occipital) and the material properties of the head were varied. Interestingly, the model predicted higher contre-coup pressure in the frontal lobe (from occipital impact) than that predicted in the occipital region from frontal impact. This finding supports clinical findings of contre-coup injury being more likely to result from occipital impact than from frontal impact.

Primary blast waves induced brain dynamics influenced by head orientations

“…Our results also showed that the back-on case led to the maximum contrecoup pressure. This is consistent with the clinical observation that the patients who suffered from a back impact usually have contusions in the frontal lobe [18]. However, our observations were different with the published computational work [8], in which the contrecoup pressure in the back-on case was equivalent to that in the front-on case, and both of them were larger than that in the side-on case.…”

Comparison of Intracranial Pressure by Lateral and Frontal Impacts - Validation of Computational Model

“…Only models that exist in the literature were reported by Ruan [18], and Willinger [35] and validated with limited experimental data. As FEM of the head finds wider applications in a diversity of fields, experimental validation is a critical key element [3].…”

Two Wheeler Helmets with Ventilation and Metal Foam

“…Lately, finite element is also commonly used to model the head [1][2][3] . Generally, the models do not contain all the details of the head and are much simpler than the actual head.…”