Modeling of the Non-Auditory Response to Blast Overpressure. Blast Dynamics of Surrogate Models of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Abstract
Surrogate models of gastrointestinal tract sections have been constructed and tested systematically to gain insight into the dynamics of this organ system under external blast loading. The findings provide a link in the process of producing a predictive methodology for blast injury to the abdomen. The experimental setup consists of a water-filled chamber providing a surrogate for the abdominal cavity. Coupling to the external blast field is provided by a piston and flexible membrane. Into this chamber can be placed surrogates of the GI tract sections. The pressure fields inside the section and outside in the chamber can be measured. A clear, Plexiglas top allows direct observation of the dynamics. A commercially prepared lamb caecum material was found to have mechanical properties similar to that of the rabbit GI tract and was used as the surrogate material. Rupture of the material was induced both under static and dynamic loading. Under static conditions the differential pressure across the membrane is directly proportional to the internal stress. Under dynamic loading, the differential pressure at rupture was nearly twice as great, establishing that local inertial effects are critical to blast injury.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA223668
Entities
People
- Edward J. Vasel
- James H. Stuhmiller
- James H.-y. Yu