Time-Dependent Analysis and Classification of Deformation Mechanism in Head Impact Injury Using Image Based Finite Element Method (FEM)

Abstract

Computational mechanics and mechatronics, are relatively new methods to address problems in healthcare. Using mechanics, and methods in mechanical engineering, it is now possible to investigate underlying mechanisms and organ behavior using complex head impact studies to address mortality. Brain injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality to-date. Due to a large number of traffic injuries with head trauma, it is crucial to investigate damage mechanisms and internal mechanics. Damage mechanics using human head models enable us for better treatment plans. Throughout the decades, finite element head models (FEHMs) have been used to assess the biomechanics of the head injury mechanism. Some of the internal mechanical responses of the brain can neither be measured directly nor by in-vivo experimental techniques. FEHM offers a cost-effective alternative in estimating the internal biomechanical responses of the human head. By performing dynamic analysis, the impact of transient loads or to design potential noise and vibration problems can be evaluated which can pave a way for product development and design to avoid traffic injuries in human brain.In this study, we conducted computational modeling of a human head model using time-variant impact analysis. The major spark of this work depends on the identification of deformation mechanisms as a result of incremental loads. Moreover, it instigates the application of computational mechanics in areas such as biomechanics. The high accuracy and low cost of numerical simulations make them potential accepted solution against physical tests. Deformation mechanisms such as notching, crack initiation, crack propagation, and bending were identified during impact loading on human head.