Numerical investigation of THUMS (Total human model for safety) lower extremity FE model for under-body blast loading

Abstract

The lower extremity being closest to the detonation point, is the most injured anatomical location due to blast loading. A numerical investigation is a cost-effective and time-efficient solution to the blast experiments involving safety concerns and ethical issues. A finite element human body model (HBM) closely approximates a human body's geometry and inertial property, which can be leveraged to study blast loading patterns and injury mechanisms. This study investigated the THUMS lower extremity finite model response in UBB (Under-body blast) loading. The lower extremity model response was evaluated numerically by recreating the experimental loading from literature and comparing the response from experimental data. Biofidelity of the lower extremity FE model was predicted using Correlation and Analysis (CORA) ratings which suggested a good match between numerical response and experimental data.