Validation of rib structural responses under dynamic loadings using different material properties: A finite element analysis

Abstract

In this paper, human rib finite element models were created and validated based on finite element simulations. Validation tests were conducted through replicating experimental configurations of ribs under dynamic anterior-posterior bending, and by comparing numerical rib structural responses and fracture locations against experimental data. Human rib cortical bone material properties from different loading modes (tension and compression), strain rates (0.5 strain/s and 0.005 strain/s) and ages as well as porcine rib material properties were applied. Comparison of rib structural responses with various material properties was investigated. Numerical force-displacement relationship, cortical strain, rotation and fracture location correspond well with published experimental data, which demonstrates the robustness of the finite element rib models. Numerical analysis reveals that numerical strain and rotation time histories with human rib cortical compressive material properties have a better correlation with experimental data compared to those with human rib cortical tensile material properties. Also, numerical rib structural responses were found to be sensitive to material properties from different loading modes, strain rates and ages. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the effect of material properties from different loading modes, strain rates and ages when establishing rib FE models. Meanwhile, it is also indicated that porcine rib material properties can obtain similar and reasonable results compared to human rib material properties. This was the first numerical study to apply human rib compressive material properties in investigating rib dynamic structural responses and compare the results with those from tensile material properties. The present study helps better understand human rib fractures in a high velocity impact (HVI) context in a numerical way.