Lower Leg Injury Mechanism Investigation During an IED Blast Under a Vehicle Using an Anatomic Leg Model.

Sławomir Suchoń,Michał Burkacki,Wojciech Wolański,Grzegorz Sławiński,Kamil Joszko,João Manuel R S Tavares,Marek Gzik,Bożena Gzik-Zroska

doi:10.3389/fbioe.2021.725006

Abstract

Attacks with improvised explosive device (IED) constituted the main threat to, for example, Polish soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Improving safety during transport in an armored vehicle has become an important issue. The main purpose of the presented research is to investigate the mechanism of lower leg injuries during explosion under an armored vehicle. Using a numerical anatomic model of the lower leg, the analysis of the leg position was carried out. In all presented positions, the stress limit of 160 (MPa) was reached, which indicates bone damage. There is a difference in stress distribution in anatomic elements pointing to different injury mechanisms.

Highlights

Over the years, there has been an increased interest in the problem of protecting soldiers during transport, against the risks resulting from an explosion of a mine or improvised explosive device (IED)
Efforts were made to a better understanding of the mechanisms of the impact of the explosion on the vehicle and passengers to search for ways to counteract their effects
The anatomical model of the lower limb, which will allow to carry out an extensive analysis and explain the presented issues should map the anatomical structure of the skeletal system of the human lower limb; enable the analysis of phenomena occurring in bones, and take into account their mechanical properties; take into account the soldier’s boot; enable the results obtained to be referenced to experimental or numerical studies using the H-III dummy; and be relatively easy to use as a tool in the research

Summary

Introduction

There has been an increased interest in the problem of protecting soldiers during transport, against the risks resulting from an explosion of a mine or improvised explosive device (IED). As an example of early research, the work of (Radonic et al, 2004) can be cited. Efforts were made to a better understanding of the mechanisms of the impact of the explosion on the vehicle and passengers to search for ways to counteract their effects. The culmination of these activities resulted in the introduction of vehicles with increased mine protection in Iraq and Afghanistan by coalition forces, in particular by the US forces with the purpose of counteracting an increasing number of IED attacks

Methods

Results

Conclusion