The Biomechanics of Spinal and Head Impact: Problems of Mathematical Simulation
Abstract
The paper examines the various mathematical models proposed in impact studies in general and those in connection with spinal and head injuries in particular. First, the concept of injury tolerance surface is introduced. When a complete mapping of this surface is in hand, then the probability of injury due to any acceleration vector can be evaluated. After reviewing a typical single-degree-of-freedom model, a quadrature scheme, based on classical Fourier transform technique, is proposed for obtaining the pulse response from the experimentally determined mechanical impedance. The second part of the paper begins with a review and critique of a promising one-dimensional continuum model of head injury by Hayashi. Exact wave-propagation solutions were obtained for the intracranial pressure and container acceleration. The survey of two- or three-dimensional models is divided into axisymmetric, rotational and nonaxisymmetric versions of fluid-filled spherical shells. A brief summary of the implications of the idealizations discussed above to other critical organs of the human body concludes the paper.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0740465
Entities
People
- Y. King Liu
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory