FE Modeling of the Three-Layer Human Carotid Artery Under Impact Loadings

Abstract

Blunt traumatic rupture of the carotid artery is a rare but life threatening injury. The histology of the artery is key to understanding the aetiology of this injury. The carotid artery is composed of three layers known as the tunica intima, media, and adventitia, with distinct biomechanical properties. In order to examine the behaviour of the carotid artery under external load we have developed a three layer finite element model of this vessel. A rubber-like material model from LS-DYNA was selected for the FE model. The Arbitrary-Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) approach was adopted to simulate the interaction between the fluid (blood) and the structure (carotid). To verify the FE model, the impact bending tests are simulated using this FE model. Simulation results agree with tests results well. Furthermore, the mechanical behaviour of carotid artery tissues under impact loading were revealed by the simulations. The results provide a basis for a more in-depth investigation of the carotid artery in vehicle crashes. In addition, it provides a basis for further work on aortic tissue finite element modeling.