MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR CLOSED HEAD IMPACT

By use of the finite element displacement formulation, the human head is modeled as a viscoelastic core bonded to a thin viscoelastic shell, which simulates the brain and the skull, respectively. For purpose of comparison, two configurations--a sperical shape and a prolate ellipsoid--have been used to describe the geometry of the human head. By applying an impact load over a small area of the shell, the head injury mechanisms--such as cavitation, caused by excessive tensile stress, and rotation, produced by large shear strain--along with their possible damage locations, are simulated. The equations of motion for the problem are in the form of second-order matrix differential equations. Solutions are obtained through the matrix iterative method.

• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers

  485 Lexington Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10017
• Authors:
  • Chain, H S
• Conference:
  • Stapp Car Crash Conference Proceedings
• Publication Date: 1974-12

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 557-578
• Serial:
  • Volume: 18

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brain; Cavitation (Mechanics); Conferences; Crash injury research; Crash tests; Finite element method; Head; Mathematical models; Rotation; Simulation; Skull; Viscoelasticity
• Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00083355
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE #741191
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 8 1975 12:00AM