Chapter 13 - Modeling the Neck for Impact Scenarios

Abstract

This chapter presents a summary of computational modeling of the human neck for impact loading. The computational models require input parameters, including geometry or anatomy, boundary conditions, and material properties that correspond to the scale of the developed model. Computational neck models apply these inputs to predict kinetic and kinematic responses in impact scenarios, and ultimately predict the potential for injuries to the neck. Sections 13.2 and 13.3 introduce the anatomy and anthropometrics of the neck, respectively. Injuries to the neck are discussed briefly in Section 13.4, followed by a detailed discussion of the mechanical properties of structural tissues in the neck (Section 13.5). A critical element for a computational model is the assessment of model performance relative to experimental data (Section 13.6). Finally, a summary of historical and current computational neck models is presented in Section 13.7.