Development and global validation of a 1-week-old piglet head finite element model for impact simulations

Zhong-Qing Su; Da-Peng Li; Rui Li; Guang-Liang Wang; Lang Liu; Ya-Feng Wang; Ya-Zhou Guo; Zhi-Gang Li

Chinese Journal of Traumatology (May 2023)

Development and global validation of a 1-week-old piglet head finite element model for impact simulations

Zhong-Qing Su,
Da-Peng Li,
Rui Li,
Guang-Liang Wang,
Lang Liu,
Ya-Feng Wang,
Ya-Zhou Guo,
Zhi-Gang Li

Affiliations

Zhong-Qing Su: School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
Da-Peng Li: Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
Rui Li: School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
Guang-Liang Wang: School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
Lang Liu: School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
Ya-Feng Wang: Aviation Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Structures Impact Dynamics, China Aircraft Strength Research Institute, Xi'an, 710065, China
Ya-Zhou Guo: Aviation Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Structures Impact Dynamics, China Aircraft Strength Research Institute, Xi'an, 710065, China
Zhi-Gang Li: School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China; Corresponding author.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 26, no. 3
pp. 147 – 154

Abstract

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Purpose: Child head injury under impact scenarios (e.g. falls, vehicle crashes, etc.) is an important topic in the field of injury biomechanics. The head of piglet was commonly used as the surrogate to investigate the biomechanical response and mechanisms of pediatric head injuries because of the similar cellular structures and material properties. However, up to date, piglet head models with accurate geometry and material properties, which have been validated by impact experiments, are seldom. We aim to develop such a model for future research. Methods: In this study, first, the detailed anatomical structures of the piglet head, including the skull, suture, brain, pia mater, dura mater, cerebrospinal fluid, scalp and soft tissue, were constructed based on CT scans. Then, a structured butterfly method was adopted to mesh the complex geometries of the piglet head to generate high-quality elements and each component was assigned corresponding constitutive material models. Finally, the guided drop tower tests were conducted and the force-time histories were ectracted to validate the piglet head finite element model. Results: Simulations were conducted on the developed finite element model under impact conditions and the simulation results were compared with the experimental data from the guided drop tower tests and the published literature. The average peak force and duration of the guide drop tower test were similar to that of the simulation, with an error below 10%. The inaccuracy was below 20%. The average peak force and duration reported in the literature were comparable to those of the simulation, with the exception of the duration for an impact energy of 11 J. The results showed that the model was capable to capture the response of the pig head. Conclusion: This study can provide an effective tool for investigating child head injury mechanisms and protection strategies under impact loading conditions.

Published in Chinese Journal of Traumatology

ISSN: 1008-1275 (Print)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: China
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/chinese-journal-of-traumatology/

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