Nonpenetrating impact on the thorax: a study of the wave propagation

The stress wave generated by a nonpenetrating impact on the thorax is likel y to cause severe injury to the lung. Theoretical studies are necessary to help the understanding of injury mechanisms. Within the framework of elasto dynamics, we study the transmission of a wave at the interface between two weakly coupled semi-infinite media representing the thoracic wall and the l ung. By using an appropriate method, we describe the distribution of energy carried by the shear and pressure waves in the medium representing the lun g. These results should contribute to a better interpretation of the experi mental results. (C) 2001 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et me dicales Elsevier SAS.