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Development and validation of a new finite element human head model: Yet another head model (YEAHM)

Fábio A.O. Fernandes (TEMA – Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal)
Dmitri Tchepel (TEMA – Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal)
Ricardo J. Alves de Sousa (TEMA – Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal)
Mariusz Ptak (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland)

Engineering Computations

ISSN: 0264-4401

Article publication date: 5 March 2018

538

Abstract

Purpose

Currently, there are some finite element head models developed by research groups all around the world. Nevertheless, the majority are not geometrically accurate. One of the problems is the brain geometry, which usually resembles a sphere. This may raise problems when reconstructing any event that involves brain kinematics, such as accidents, affecting the correct evaluation of resulting injuries. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a new finite element head model more accurate than the existing ones.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, a new and geometrically detailed finite element brain model is proposed. Special attention was given to sulci and gyri modelling, making this model more geometrically accurate than currently available ones. In addition, these brain features are important to predict specific injuries such as brain contusions, which usually involve the crowns of gyri.

Findings

The model was validated against experimental data from impact tests on cadavers, comparing the intracranial pressure at frontal, parietal, occipital and posterior fossa regions.

Originality/value

As this model is validated, it can be now used in accident reconstruction and injury evaluation and even as a design tool for protective head gear.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), which financially supported this work, through the scholarship SFRH/BD/91292/2012. The authors also acknowledge Dr Alfredo Calheiros from the Hospital Geral de Santo Antonio, Porto, for providing the medical images and Professors Paula Martins, Silvia Francesco (University of Aveiro) and Teresa Magalhães (University of Porto) for the fruitful discussions.

Citation

Fernandes, F.A.O., Tchepel, D., Alves de Sousa, R.J. and Ptak, M. (2018), "Development and validation of a new finite element human head model: Yet another head model (YEAHM)", Engineering Computations, Vol. 35 No. 1, pp. 477-496. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-09-2016-0321

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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