In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model (FEM) of a human neck has been developed in an effort to study the mechanics of cervical spine while subjected to impacts. The neck geometry was obtained from MRI scans of a 50th percentile male volunteer. This model, consisting of the vertebrae from C1 through T1 including the intervertebral discs and posterior elements, was constructed primarily of 8-node brick elements. A previously developed head and brain model was also incorporated. Data from head drop tests and data from three 24 km/hr (15 mile/hr) cadaver rearend impact sled tests were used to validate the model. In the drop test simulation, head and neck loads, as well as head acceleration, were chosen to gauge the accuracy of the model predictions against test results. In the rearend impact simulation, head acceleration and the global kinematics of the head and neck correlate well with experimental data. The validated model was applied to simulating neck loads while interacting with a pre-deployed airbag. Further research is still needed in order to fully validate the neck model, before it can be used to study neck loads during head-airbag interaction or during other types of injurious interactions.
Abstract