Mathematical models capable of predicting impact response of the human body can improve the understanding of impact biomechanics of the human chest. The purpose of this study was to conduct a series of parametric studies using a validated FE human chest model with different biomechanical parameters assigned to various components of the chest. The mass density, Young's modulus (E), tangent modulus (Et) and yield stress (sy) of the human ribs, sternum, internal organs and muscles play important roles when determining impact responses of the chest associated with pendulum impact. A series of parametric studies was conducted using a commercially available three-dimensional finite element (FE) model, Total HUman Model for Safety (THUMS) of the whole human body, to determine the effect of changing these material properties on the impact force, chest deflection, and the number of rib fractures and fractured ribs. Results from this parametric study indicate that the initial chest stiffness was mainly influenced by the mass density of the muscles covering the torso. The number of rib fractures and fractured ribs were primarily determined by E, Et and sy of the ribcage and sternum. Similarly, the E, Et and sy of the ribcage, which is defined as the bony skeleton of the chest, and sternum and E of the internal organs contributed to the maximum chest deflection in frontal impact, while the maximum chest deflection for lateral impact was mainly affected by the E, Et and sy of the ribcage.
Numerical analysis of the biomechanical characteristics and impact response of the human chest
Numerische Analyse der biomechanischen Charakteristiken und Aufprall-Reaktion der menschlichen Brust
2004
11 Seiten, 16 Bilder, 7 Tabellen, 18 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Numerical Analysis of the Biomechanical Characteristics and Impact Response of the Human Chest
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