Finite element analysis of the human thorax

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Sundaram, S. H.¹; Feng, C. C.¹

Finite element analysis of the human thorax

J Biomech. 1977;10(8):505-516

Affiliations

¹Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, U.S.A.
Abstract

Two elastic finite-element models of the thoracic system are presented to analyze the effect of imposed loads. A flexural model for the cartilage is derived to account for the significant difference between its tension and compression moduli. The two structural models studied are: first, the thoracic cage (skeleton) by itself, and second, the thoracic body including the cage, the muscles and the internal parts. The ribs, cartilages, sternum, vertebrae, intervertebral discs, muscles, and gross lung and heart organs are modelled by various types of finite elements, viz. beams, plates, membranes and solids. Eleven static and two dynamic loading cases are considered and the stresses and displacements under each loading are calculated. Comparisons are made between the skeletal model and the whole thorax model. This paper presents the static loadings as the first part of the development. The dynamic effects of the thoracic body by various types of finite elements will be considered in the second part to be presented separately.
Links

DOI: 10.1016/0021-9290(77)90104-X

PubMed: 893484

WoS: A1977DU25800007
History

Received: 1975-05-19

Cited Works (8)

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Cited By (23)

Year	Entry
1994	Plank GR, Kleinberger M, Eppinger RH. Finite element modeling and analysis of thorax/restraint system interaction. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 23-26, 1994; Munich, Germany.210-219.
1991	Plank GR, Eppinger RH. An improved finite element model of the human thorax. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.902-907.
1998	Lizée E, Song E, Robin S, Lecoz J-Y. Finite element model of the human thorax validated in frontal, oblique and lateral impacts: a tool to evaluate new restraint systems. In: Proceedings of the 1998 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 16-18, 1998; Göteberg, Sweden.527-543.
2000	Eckert M, Fayet M, Cheze L, Bouquet R, Voiglio E, Verriest JP. Costovertebral joint behaviour during frontal loading of the thoracic cage. In: Proceedings of the 2000 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 20-22, 2000; Montpellier, France.195-206.
2011	Cronin DS. Explicit finite element method applied to impact biomechanics problems. In: Proceedings of the 2011 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Injury. September 14-16, 2011; Krakow, Poland.240-254.
2021	Eaton MAK, Panzer MB, Salzar RS. Characterizing the response of lung tissue in shear and indentation quasi-static loading. In: Proceedings of the 2021 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Injury. September 8-10, 2021; Online.222-231.
1998	Lizee E, Robin S, Song E, Bertholon N, Le Coz J-Y, Besnault B, Lavaste F. Development of a 3D finite element model of the human body. In: Proceedings of the 42nd Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 2-4, 1998; Tempa, AZ. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:115-137. SAE 983152.
1998	Plank GR, Kleinberger M, Eppinger RH. Analytical investigation of driver thoracic response to out of position airbag deployment. In: Proceedings of the 42nd Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 2-4, 1998; Tempa, AZ. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:317-329. SAE 983165.
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1988	Dansereau J, Stokes IAF. Measurements of the three-dimensional shape of the rib cage. J Biomech. 1988;21(11):893-901.
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1985	Yoganandan N. Mechanical Factors and the Threshold of Trauma of the Intervertebral Joint: A Finite Element Analysis With Experimental Validation [PhD thesis]. Marquette University; December 1985.
2010	Hallman JJ. Detrimental Thoracoabdominal Interaction With Lateral Airbag Restraints [PhD thesis]. Marquette University; December 2010.
1997	Duncan NA. The Mechanics of Curve Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis [PhD thesis]. McGill University; February 1997.
2003	Alderink GJ. Three-Dimensional Kinematic Analysis of the Thorax in Standing and Sitting [PhD thesis]. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University; 2003.
1995	Aubin C-E. Rôle biomécanique de la cage thoracique dans le traitement de la scoliose par orthèse [PhD thesis]. École polytechnique de Montréal; September 1995.
2009	Forman J. The Structural Characteristics of the Costal Cartilage: The Roles of Calcification and the Perichondrium, and the Representation of the Costal Cartilage in Finite Element Models of the Human Body [PhD thesis]. Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia; August 2009.
2009	Campbell BM. A Numerical Side Impact Model to Investigate Thoracic Injury in Lateral Impact Scenarios [Master's thesis]. University of Waterloo; 2009.
2007	Shah CS. Investigation of Traumatic Rupture of the Aorta (TRA) by Obtaining Aorta Material and Failure Properties and Simulating Real-World Aortic Injury Crashes Using the Whole-Body Finite Element (FE) Human Model [PhD thesis]. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University; 2007.
2011	Belwadi AN. Finite Element Reconstruction of Real World Aortic Injury in Near-Side Lateral Automotive Crashes With Conceptual Countermeasures [PhD thesis]. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University; August 2011.