Repetitive concussions and sub-concussions suffered by athletes have been linked to a series of sequelae ranging from traumatic encephalopathy to dementia pugilistica. We developed a detailed finite element model of the human head based on standard libraries of medical imaging. The model includes realistic material properties of the brain tissue, bone, soft tissue, and cerebral spinal fluid, as well as a helmet. The strains/stresses and pressure gradients and concentrations created in the brain tissue due to propagation of waves produced by the impact through the complex internal structure of the human head for various impact scenarios were studied. This approach has the potential to expand our understanding of the mechanism of brain injury, and to better assessment of risk of delayed neurological disorders for tens of thousands of young athletes throughout the world.

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