Investigation of the effect of high +Gz accelerations on human cardiac function

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of body acceleration on human cardiac function. Finite element analysis is conducted to simulate geometrical and mechanical properties of human heart. Heart geometrical modeling in three-dimension is performed by segmentation of cardiac MRI images. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of myocardium is modeled by Mooney–Rivlin, Polynomial, Ogden and Yeoh hyperelastic material models. Stress–strain curves of myocardial tissue are obtained from experimental compression tests on bovine heart samples. The experimental results are employed for the evaluation of material coefficients by the nonlinear least squares method. Among hyperelastic models, the Yeoh model presents the best fit with experimental stress–strain curve and is used for finite element simulation of heart tissue. Obtained material coefficients are implemented into the constructed heart model and nonlinear finite element analysis is performed for different levels of acceleration in upward direction of vertical axis of body during the rapid filling phase of cardiac cycle. Based on the finite element analysis, ventricular volume change, stress and deformation of heart model are evaluated. It is revealed that when the body is subjected to high accelerations, structural changes in the heart reduce blood supply to body up to 7.2% at +6G.