Traumatic event in human head: Biomechanical insight by means of a finite element model

Head injuries due to traumatic events in case of head impact are one of the main causes of death or permanent invalidity in vehicle crash. The main purpose of the present work is to evaluate pressure and stress distributions in bones and brain tissues of a human head due to an impact by means of numerical simulations. Pressures and stresses in the different zones of the head can be related to the main brain injuries as verified by head traumatology doctors. The availability of a numerical model of head allows to quantify the relationship between type and intensity of the impact and the possible head injury. This capability represents a relevant step torward an effective traumatic injury prevention. The proposed numerical model is quite complex although some simplifications have been introduced like modeling all the inner organs as a continuum without sliding interfaces or fluid elements. Geometrical characteristics for the finite element model have been extracted from CT (Computer Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) scanner images, while material mechanical characteristics have been taken from literature. The model has been validated by comparing the numerical results and the experimental results from literature. The protecting action of the ventricles and of several membranes (dura mater, tentorium and falx) has been evaluated. Copyright © 2006 by ASME.