Multiscale, physics-based approach for directed energy, blast and blunt traumatic brain injury prediction and prevention
Abstract
A deterministic multiscale, physics-based approach to understanding traumatic brain injury is essential for preventing and mitigating mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) in the armed forces because it is the only approach to connect harmful exposure to brain deformation at the root of cellular injury. The magnitude and rate of deformation are the widely recognized mechanism of injury and therefore form the basis for effective preventative measures including impact attenuating materials in protective helmets. PANTHER s physics-based research will provide a foundation for the protection of warfighters, US personnel, and citizens. This proposal puts forth eight objectives to strategically advance TBI prediction and prevention with high potential for rapid commercial translation.Objective 1: We aim to expand the fundamental, mechanistic understanding of electromagnetic (EM) waveform effects on biological tissues. The goal is to establish the first, comprehensive radio frequency (RF) and microwave exposure injury cellular pathology library, supporting protective technologies to safeguard against general and occupational RF/EM exposures. Objective2 : Our goal is to test whether TBI-mediated activation of interconnected neural cells, including astrocytes and microglia, towardsinflammatory and neuroprotective phenotypes is dependent on strain magnitude and rate as experienced in blast and blunt impact exposures.Objective 3: We aim to improve our predictive, computational framework for studying bTBI via computational modeling of blast-induced TBI from shoulder-mounted weapons and shipboard blast. A new workflow will be developed to generate subject-specific finite element head models for blast injury studies, and new numerical algorithms will be developed to better capture the local mechanical response of brain tissue near the sulci and similar structures with sudden geometry and/or mechanical property changes.Objective 4: To significantly reduce the weight burden and improve blast, blunt and ballistic performance for the warfighter our study aims to fundamentally advance the science and engineering of high-performance carbon nanotube protective material for use in helmet shells andliners. Objective 5: The objective of this work is to create an optimized helmet liner design with significantly improved energy absorption through hierarchical and multi-scale structures.Objective 6: We propose a new bioinspired strategy for mitigating blasts bycoupling longitudinal and torsional deformation modes. We will develop the elastodynamic theory that governs the mechanics and dynamics of mode-coupled materials. We will then test that knowledge by, first, using it to design wearable blast mitigation structures;and then, by fabricating, and experimentally characterizing those structures.Objective 7: We propose to investigate the coupled temperature and high-rate loading of newly developed polyurethane foams considered for helmet liners and understand the role of microstructural and morphological features in foams under impact loading, so that they can be designed to provide better brain protectionObjective 8: We aim to understand the actual impact levels and forces acting on the bodies of fastboat crewmembers to quantify the relationship between repetitive loading and biomechanical markers of neurological function to determine what magnitudes are sustainable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412200
Entities
People
- Christian Franck
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Wisconsin System