FINITE-ELEMENT MODELS OF THE HUMAN HEAD

A review is presented of the existing finite-element (FE) models for t he biomechanics of human head injury. Finite element analysis can be a n important tool in describing the injury biomechanics of the human he ad. Complex geometric and material properties pose challenges to FE mo delling. Various assumptions and simplifications are made in model dev elopment that require experimental validation. More recent models inco rporate anatomic details with higher precision. The cervical vertebral column and spinal cord are included. Model results have been mere qua litative than quantitative owing to the lack of adequate experimental validation. Advances include transient stress distribution in the brai n tissue, frequency responses, effects of boundary conditions,. pressu re release mechanism of the foramen magnum and the spinal cord, verifi cation of rotation and cavitation theories of brain injury, and protec tive effects of helmets. These theoretical results provide a basic und erstanding of the internal biomechanical responses of the head under v arious dynamic loading conditions. Basic experimental research is stil l. needed to determine more accurate material properties and injury to lerance criteria, so that FE models can fully exercise their analytica l and predictive power for the study and prevention of human head inju ry.