Biodynamic finite element models used in brain injury research

Abstract

Three-dimensional finite models for the monkey, baboon, and human brains have been developed and are described. Isoparametric brick elements and membrane elements represent the soft tissue and partitioning internal folds of dura, respectively. By specifying the finite element mesh on the skull inner surface, the irregular shape of the brain is generated. Each model is subjected to the same skull acceleration to investigate response relationships between species. Important dynamic response differences are revealed by comparing the computed intracranial pressures. Experimentally derived head injury data are correlated with model dynamic responses. Using the baboon and monkey models, brain injury tests are simulated and model response measures are compared to produced injury. Using the human model, computed stresses are compared to intracranial pressures measured in cadaver impact tests.