Modeling the Biodynamical Response of the Human Thorax with Body Armor from a Bullet Impact

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop a finite element model of the human thorax with a protective body armor system so that the model adequately determines the biodynamical response of the thorax to a projectile impact. The biodynamical response of the human thorax is examined under two different scenarios. The first scenario analyzes the biodynamical response of the human thorax with body armor consisting of a Kevlar sheet and a Boron Carbide plate struck by a NATO 7.62 mm M80 ball. The second scenario analyzes the biodynamical response of the human thorax with body armor consisting of a Kevlar sheet struck by a NATO 9mm round. The finite element model of the human thorax consists of the thoracic skeleton, heart, lungs, major arteries, major veins, trachea, and bronchi. The finite element model is designed to determine the acceleration of the spine, sternum, pulmonary artery, and trachea; velocity and displacement of the spine and sternum; and ventricle pressure. The finite element model is validated by comparing its results to experimental data collected from cadavers. When the finite element model is determined to be valid, a parametric study is conducted to determine the essential components of the model. With the development of the finite element model of the human thorax, the model can be used to determine the biodynamical response of the human thorax to different types of projectiles using different protective body armor systems. Knowing the biodynamical response to projectile impact, additional body armor systems can be developed to reduce the seriousness of an injury from being struck by a projectile. The finite element model also will reduce the dependence on costly experimentation with cadavers for projectile analysis, thus providing an economical alternative.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA482118

Entities

People

  • John A. Lobuono
  • Young W. Kwon

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Arteries
  • Blood
  • Body Regions
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cartilage
  • Elastic Materials
  • Experimental Data
  • Heart
  • Human Body
  • Medical Personnel
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Serous Membrane
  • Spinal Column
  • Spine
  • Thorax
  • Veins
  • Vena Cava

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • ballistics.