Multi-scale human body model to predict side impact thoracic trauma

Abstract

This study presents a multi-scale human body model that is capable of predicting full-body response in side impact, including detailed thoracic response and injury. The model is based on a detailed finite element model of a 50th percentile human thorax that has been enhanced with improved finite element mesh geometry and refinement, and incorporation of appropriate high-rate material properties. The prediction of local injury requires modelling at an appropriate scale, typically at the organ level, as included in the human body model. We have introduced representative but simple deformable models at the component level to represent the entire human body for modelling side impact events. This includes simplified coarse-scale deformable models of the abdomen, pelvis, legs and head to achieve the appropriate mass distributions and load transmission paths. This total body model was then validated against post-mortem human subject data for simple pendulum impacts, and more complicated side sled tests that engaged the entire body model. The predicted model response is in excellent agreement with the post-mortem human subject response corridors, providing an important tool for the prediction of thoracic trauma and future evaluation of new safety systems in side impact crash.