Experimental and numerical study on failure mechanisms of bone simulants subjected to projectile impact

• Published in: International journal for numerical methods in biomedical engineering 2023-04, Vol.39 (4), p.e3687-n/a
• Main Authors: Żochowski, Paweł, Cegła, Marcin, Berent, Jarosław, Grygoruk, Roman, Szlązak, Karol, Smędra, Anna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ballistic impact; beveling effect; Bone and Bones; Bones; Experiments; Failure analysis; Failure mechanisms; Forensic Ballistics - methods; Forensic science; Humans; Impact analysis; Mathematical models; Mechanical tests; numerical modeling; Numerical models; projectile; Projectiles; Protective equipment; Synbone; synthetic bone
• ISSN: 2040-7939; 2040-7947
• DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3687

Analyses of the human bones failure mechanisms under projectile impact conditions can be made through performing of a large number of ballistic trials. But the amount of data that can be collected during ballistic experiments is limited due to the high dynamics of the process and its destructive character. Numerical analyses may support experimental methodologies allowing to better understand the principles of the phenomenon. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to create and to verify a numerical model of commercially available synthetic bone material—Synbone®. The model could be used in the future as a supporting tool facilitating forensic studies or designing processes of personal protection systems (helmets, bulletproof vests, etc.). Although Synbone® is commonly used in the ballistic experiments, the literature lacks reliable numerical models of this material. In order to define a numerical model of Synbone®, mechanical experiments characterizing the response of the material to the applied loads in a wide range of strains and strain rates were carried out. Based on the mechanical tests results, an appropriate material model was selected for the Synbone® composite and the values of constants in its equations were determined. Material characterization experiments were subsequently reproduced with numerical simulations and a high correlation of the results was obtained. The final validation of the material model was based on the comparison of the ballistic impact experiments and simulation results. High similarity obtained (relative error lower than 10%) demonstrates that the numerical model of Synbone® material was properly defined. Numerical model of synthetic bone material Synbone® used in ballistic experiments was defined on the basis of performed mechanical characterization experiments. The model was positively validated against the results of performed mechanical and ballistic impact experiments (both in quasi‐static and dynamic conditions). High similarity was obtained—relative error between the results obtained experimentally and numerically was lower than 10%. Validated numerical model could be used as a supporting tool in forensic studies or designing processes of personal protection systems.