This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional anatomic brain model using finite elements to estimate strains induced in soft cortical tissues of the brain in response to impact and non-impact loadings representative of the automobile collision environment. The upper cerebral cortex is modeled with longitudinal fissure to provide distinctive sagittal and coronal geometric features. The surrounding dura includes the falx anatomic partition. Sliding is permitted between cortical and dura/falx surfaces to simulate slip conditions at the perimeter of the human cortex. A relatively rigid skull-headpart with cranial cavity enclosing dura and cortex is also included for modeling direct contact events with upper interior structures. Simulated impacts with padded and unpadded A-pillars are made. First estimates of cortical strains resulting from these impacts are provided. Rigid body headpart acceleration responses are also estimated and discussed with soft tissue strains. (A)
Abstract