This paper explores the potential for developing improved thoracic injury criteria using data derived from experiments using the chest band. The chest band is both a sensing device and an analytical process that determines the cross-sectional geometry of an object about which it is wrapped. In the process of determining the geometric shape of the object, the chest band process also provides both the local curvature and the time rate of change of the curvature of the object's peripheral surface. A discussion of the rationale and the methodology for relating local curvature and other factors with thoracic skeletal injury is provided. Additionally, the rationale and processes of using the derived time varying contours from the chest band to establish the extent of internal thoracic injury are also explored by using a simplified finite element model of the chest. It is stimulated by using the time varying external contours obtained from the chest band as the inputs to calculate the stress and strain distribution throughout the model. Initial analysis indicates that the stresses and strains internal to the body are produced by both the deformation of the periphery, and by the inertial conditions to which the entire body is exposed while being deformed.
Abstract