Computational Modeling of Skull Bone Structures and Simulation of Skull Fractures Using the YEAHM Head Model

The human head is a complex multi-layered structure of hard and soft tissues, governed by complex materials laws and interactions. Computational models of the human head have been developed over the years, reaching high levels of detail, complexity, and precision. However, most of the attention has...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2020-09, Vol.9 (9), p.267
Main Authors: Barbosa, Alcino, Fernandes, Fabio A.O, Sousa, Ricardo J. Alves de, Ptak, Mariusz, Wilhelm, Johannes
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological models
biomechanics
Bones
Collagen
Computational neuroscience
Computer simulation
Cortical bone
Experiments
finite element method
Fractures
Head injuries
head injury
Mathematical problems
Mechanical properties
Simulation
Skull
Skull fractures
Soft tissues
Sutures
trabecular bone
Trauma
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Summary:The human head is a complex multi-layered structure of hard and soft tissues, governed by complex materials laws and interactions. Computational models of the human head have been developed over the years, reaching high levels of detail, complexity, and precision. However, most of the attention has been devoted to the brain and other intracranial structures. The skull, despite playing a major role in direct head impacts, is often overlooked and simplified. In this work, a new skull model is developed for the authors’ head model, the YEAHM, based on the original outer geometry, but segmenting it with sutures, diploë, and cortical bone, having variable thickness across different head sections and based on medical craniometric data. These structures are modeled with constitutive models that consider the non-linear behavior of skull bones and also the nature of their failure. Several validations are performed, comparing the simulation results with experimental results available in the literature at several levels: (i) local material validation; (ii) blunt trauma from direct impact against stationary skull; (iii) three impacts at different velocities simulating falls; (iv) blunt ballistic temporoparietal head impacts. Accelerations, impact forces, and fracture patterns are used to validate the skull model.
ISSN:2079-7737
2079-7737
DOI:10.3390/biology9090267