This paper presents a modelling of a human leg in lateral impact for use in an explicit finite element (FE) code. The articulation between each condyle of the femur and the corresponding tuberosity of the tibia is mainly described. The bones entering into the formation of the knee joint are the condyles of the femur above, the head of the tibia below. The bones are connected together by ligaments, some of which are placed on the exterior (for instance lateral and medial collateral) of the joint, while others occupy its interior (for example anterior and posterior crucial). This model is impacted to estimate the severity of leg lesions, and to predict the risk of leg injuries in car/pedestrian accidents. The effect of the impactor stiffness, velocity and height are evaluated. Experimental results from static tests and impact tests, to characterise the mechanical behaviour of each part, like the ligaments or the bones, and the whole kinematics of the knee, serve as a basis for the validation of the model. (A)
Samenvatting