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.
- Dynamic Systems and Control Division
Analysis of Sports Related mTBI Injuries Caused by Elastic Wave Propagation Through Brain Tissue
Case, D, & Richer, E. "Analysis of Sports Related mTBI Injuries Caused by Elastic Wave Propagation Through Brain Tissue." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 Dynamic Systems and Control Conference. Volume 2: Dynamic Modeling and Diagnostics in Biomedical Systems; Dynamics and Control of Wind Energy Systems; Vehicle Energy Management Optimization; Energy Storage, Optimization; Transportation and Grid Applications; Estimation and Identification Methods, Tracking, Detection, Alternative Propulsion Systems; Ground and Space Vehicle Dynamics; Intelligent Transportation Systems and Control; Energy Harvesting; Modeling and Control for Thermo-Fluid Applications, IC Engines, Manufacturing. San Antonio, Texas, USA. October 22–24, 2014. V002T16A006. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/DSCC2014-5941
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