Human Response to High Rate Loading
Abstract
Anti-vehicular landmines and improvised explosive devices can produce catastrophic lower-extremity injuries. As such, lower-extremity injury prevention is of high concern but requires a better understanding of high-rate impacts and fracture risk. In this study a probabilistic finite-element model of the tibia and talus was developed to produce a fracture risk assessment. We developed a high-fidelity statistical shape and density model of the tibia to investigate the effect of anatomical variability on the risk of injury. A 7.5-kN distal-tibia impact simulation was developed following the methodology of a previously described framework. This 7.5-kN load corresponds to nearly a 10 tibial fracture risk, which was experimentally derived using cadaveric specimens. The probabilistic analysis resulted in a computed risk of fracture of 10 given the 7.5-kN impact force on the distal tibia. Uncertainty and variability in the bone failure strain, material properties, and tibia anatomy substantially influenced fracture risk. The described probabilistic model reproduced experimentally derived fracture risk and can be used as a comprehensive surrogate to cadaveric testing for high-rate distal-tibia impacts. This model can be used for the design of protective equipment, identification of high-risk individuals, and development of novel injury-mitigation strategies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1106186
Entities
People
- Daniel P. Nicolella
- Lance Frazer
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute