Finite element modelling of non-penetrating thoracic impact

Bush, I. S.; Challener, S. A.

Affiliations

¹Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited, Randall's Way, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7TX, England

Abstract

A study has been undertaken to identify the fundamental mechanisms involved during non-penetrating thoracic impact and in particular to determine how energy is transfered from the contact point on the thoracic wall to other sites inside the thorax.

Modelling of the thorax has been performed using the dynamic finite element codes DYNA2D and DYNASD and the system modelling package GENDYN. Particular consideration has been given to the mechanisms by which pressure waves are generated, the propagation of these waves through the lung, parenchyma and the likely biophysical mechanisms involved in vascular injury.

The finite element method has been used to demonstrate the propagation of the pressure wave through the lung, including reflection at boundaries, and identifying regions where stress concentration and contusion damage may occur.

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
1986	Cooper GJ, Maynard RL. An experimental investigation of the biokinetic principles governing non-penetrating impact to the chest and the influence of the rate of body wall distortion upon the severity of lung injury. In: Proceedings of the 1986 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 2-4, 1986; Zurich, Switzerland.331-342.

Cited By (3)

Year	Entry
2005	Alakija O, Ivankovic A, Karac A. Finite volume solution to high rate wave propagation through a lung alveoli stack. In: Gilchrist MD, ed. IUTAM Symposium on Impact Biomechanics: From Fundamental Insights to Applications. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer; 2005:281-288. Solid Mechanics and Its Applications; vol 124.
1989	Bush IS, Challener SA. An assessment of criteria for the prediction ofcontusion injury under non-penetrating thoracic impact. In: Proceedings of the 1989 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 13-15, 1989; Stockholm, Sweden.111-122.
1989	Cooper GJ, Pearce BP, Cater SR, Kenward CE, Townend D. Augmentation by foam materials of lung injury produced by blast waves: the role of stress waves in thoracic visceral injury at high rates of energy transfer. In: Proceedings of the 1989 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 13-15, 1989; Stockholm, Sweden.123-136.