Development of a comprehensive finite element cervical spine model for studying neck injury of pilot

Introduction-The cervical spine is subjected to injury frequently,especially among pilots who are usually on the condition of high acceleration.Injuries of the cervical spine will be potential risk of damage to the spinal cord,which could be result in life threatening

An ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation regimen devised using finite element modeling promotes functional recovery after median nerve transection

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of an injured nerve can promote and accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration and improve function.When performing acupuncture and moxibustion,locating the injured nerve using ultrasound before percutaneous nerve stimulation can help prevent further injury to an already injured nerve.However,stimulation parameters have not been standardized.In this study,we constructed a multi-layer human forearm model using finite element modeling.Taking current density and activated function as optimization indicators,the optimal percutaneous nerve stimulation parameters were established.The optimal parameters were parallel placement located 3 cm apart with the injury site at the midpoint between the needles.To validate the efficacy of this regimen,we performed a randomized controlled trial in 23 patients with median nerve transection who underwent neurorrhaphy.Patients who received conventional rehabilitation combined with percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation experienced greater improvement in sensory function,motor function,and grip strength than those who received conventional rehabilitation combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.These findings suggest that the percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation regimen established in this study can improve global median nerve function in patients with median nerve transection.

Autologous nerve graft repair of different degrees of sciatic nerve defect:stress and displacement at the anastomosis in a three-dimensional finite element simulation model

In the repair of peripheral nerve injury using autologous or synthetic nerve grafting, the mag- nitude of tensile forces at the anastomosis affects its response to physiological stress and the ultimate success of the treatment. One-dimensional stretching is commonly used to measure changes in tensile stress and strain; however, the accuracy of this simple method is limited. There- fore, in the present study, we established three-dimensional finite element models of sciatic nerve defects repaired by autologous nerve grafts. Using PRO E 5.0 finite element simulation software, we calculated the maximum stress and displacement of an anastomosis under a 5 N load in 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-mm long autologous nerve grafts. We found that maximum displacement increased with graft length, consistent with specimen force. These findings indicate that three-dimensional finite element simulation is a feasible method for analyzing stress and displacement at the anas- tomosis after autologous nerve grafting.

Use of Finite Element Analysis for the Prediction of Driver Fatality Ratio Based on Vehicle Intrusion Ratio in Head-On Collisions

To estimate the aggressivity of vehicles in frontal crashes, national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) has introduced the driver fatality ratio, DFR, for different vehicle-to-vehicle categories. The DFR proposed by NHTSA is based on the actual crash statistical data, which makes it difficult to evaluate for other vehicle categories newly introduced to the market, as they do not have sufficient crash statistics. A finite element (FE) methodology is proposed in this study based on computational reconstruction of crashes and some objective measures to predict the relative risk of DFR associated with any vehicle-to-vehicle crash. The suggested objective measures include the ratios of maximum intrusion in the passenger compartments of the vehicles in crash, and the transmitted peak deceleration of the vehicles’ center of gravity, which are identified as the main influencing parameters on occupant injury. The suitability of the proposed method is established for a range of bullet light truck and van (LTV) categories against a small target passenger car with published data by NHTSA. A mathematical relation between the objective measures and DFR is then developed. The methodology is then extended to predict the relative risk of DFR for a crossover category vehicle, a light pick-up truck, and a mid-size car in crash against a small size passenger car. It is observed that the ratio of intrusions produces a reasonable estimate for the DFR, and that it can be utilized in predicting the relative risk of fatality ratios in head-on collisions. The FE methodology proposed in this study can be utilized in design process of a vehicle to reduce the aggressivity of the vehicle and to increase the on-road fleet compatibility in order to reduce the occupant injury out- come.

Solitary wave solutions to higher-order traffic flow model with large diffusion

This paper uses the Taylor expansion to seek an approximate Korteweg- de Vries equation （KdV） solution to a higher-order traffic flow model with sufficiently large diffusion. It demonstrates the validity of the approximate KdV solution considering all the related parameters to ensure the physical boundedness and the stability of the solution. Moreover, when the viscosity coefficient depends on the density and velocity of the flow, the wave speed of the KdV solution is naturally related to either the first or the second characteristic field. The finite element method is extended to solve the model and examine the stability and accuracy of the approximate KdV solution.

Discontinuous-Galerkin-Based Analysis of Traffic Flow Model Connected with Multi-Agent Traffic Model

As the number of automobiles continues to increase year after year,the associated problem of traffic congestion has become a serious societal issue.Initiatives to mitigate this problem have considered methods for optimizing traffic volumes in wide-area road networks,and traffic-flow simulation has become a focus of interest as a technique for advance characterization of such strategies.Classes of models commonly used for traffic-flow simulations include microscopic models based on discrete vehicle representations,macroscopic models that describe entire traffic-flow systems in terms of average vehicle densities and velocities,and mesoscopic models and hybrid(or multiscale)models incorporating both microscopic and macroscopic features.Because traffic-flow simulations are designed to model traffic systems under a variety of conditions,their underlyingmodelsmust be capable of rapidly capturing the consequences of minor variations in operating environments.In other words,the computation speed of macroscopic models and the precise representation of microscopic models are needed simultaneously.Thus,in this study we propose a multiscale model that combines a microscopic model—for detailed analysis of subregions containing traffic congestion bottlenecks or other localized phenomena of interest-with a macroscopic model enabling simulation of wide target areas at a modest computational cost.In addition,to ensure analytical stability with robustness in the presence of discontinuities,we discretize our macroscopic model using a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method(DGFEM),while to conjoin microscopic and macroscopic models,we use a generating/absorbing sponge layer,a technique widely used for numerical analysis of long-wavelength phenomena in shallow water,to enable traffic-flow simulations with stable input and output regions.

Aetiology and mechanisms of injury in medial tibial stress syndrome: Current and future developments

Medial tibial stress syndrome(MTSS) is a debilitating overuse injury of the tibia sustained by individuals whoperform recurrent impact exercise such as athletes and military recruits. Characterised by diffuse tibial anteromedial or posteromedial surface subcutaneous periostitis, in most cases it is also an injury involving underlying cortical bone microtrauma, although it is not clear if the soft tissue or cortical bone reaction occurs first. Nuclear bone scans and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) can both be used for the diagnosis of MTSS, but the patient's history and clinical symptoms need to be considered in conjunction with the imaging findings for a correct interpretation of the results, as both imaging modalities have demonstrated positive findings in the absence of injury. However, MRI is rapidly becoming the preferred imaging modality for the diagnosis of bone stress injuries. It can also be used for the early diagnosis of MTSS, as the developing periosteal oedema can be identified. Retrospective studies have demonstrated that MTSS patients have lower bone mineral density(BMD) at the injury site than exercising controls, and preliminary data indicates the BMD is lower in MTSS subjects than tibial stress fracture(TSF) subjects. The values of a number of tibial geometric parameters such as cross-sectional area and section modulus are also lower in MTSS subjects than exercising controls, but not as low as the values in TSF subjects. Thus, the balance between BMD and cortical bone geometry may predict an individual's likelihood of developing MTSS. However, prospective longitudinal studies are needed to determine how these factors alter during the development of the injury and to find the detailed structural cause, which is still unknown. Finite element analysis has recently been used to examine the mechanisms involved in tibial stress injuries and offer a promising future tool to understand the mechanisms involved in MTSS. Contemporary accurate diagnosis of either MTSS or a TSF includes a thorough clinical examination to identify signs of bone stress injury and to exclude other pathologies. This should be followed by an MRI study of the whole tibia. The cause of the injury should be established and addressed in order tofacilitate healing and prevent future re-occurrence.

有限元方法在脑震荡领域的热点:脑损伤模型、测试方法与防护装备的改进

背景:由身体接触性运动或交通事故造成的脑震荡远比人们想象的更为严重与常见,近年来引起了媒体、医学界及体育界的广泛关注与高度重视。目的:采用文献计量学方法对有限元方法在脑震荡领域的研究热点与趋势进行可视化分析,从而为中国在该领域的研究提供一定的参考。方法:基于Web of Science核心集数据库进行文献检索,检索主题词策略为(TS=(Concussion)) AND TS=(Finite element),利用CiteSpace 6.2.R4可视化工具对纳入文献的作者、国家、机构、关键词及被引文献等进行可视化分析。结果与结论:(1)共计纳入215篇文献,发文量与被引量总体上呈上升趋势;学科分布涉及生物医学工程、生物物理学、运动科学、临床神经学及神经科学等学科,呈现多学科交叉融合的趋势;发文量最多的作者是来自爱尔兰都柏林大学的Gilchrist M,发文量最多的机构是渥太华大学,发文量最多的国家是美国。(2)通过关键词分析发现研究的热点聚焦于脑损伤模型的建立用来模拟和预测脑震荡的损伤;脑震荡损伤机制的解析;防护设备和装置的优化设计。(3)通过文献共被引分析发现脑损伤的预测与评估是该领域的知识基础亦是研究热点。(4)有限元方法运用在脑震荡领域的研究热点主要围绕头部损伤预测为主题展开,结合探索大脑损伤机制以及防护装备的设计与改进。(5)随着人工智能与材料学的进步,未来有限元方法在脑震荡损伤领域的研究热点将集中于脑损伤模型、测试方法与防护装备的改进。

不同力学条件下兔髌骨髌腱及腱止点的有限元建模及力学分析

背景:髌腱末端病中髌骨髌腱结合部是损伤的高发区域。兔髌骨髌腱损伤模型是常用动物实验研究对象,目前对损伤机制和造模方法的应力分析尚不全面。目的:在过往组织学和力学测量的基础上,对兔整个髌骨、髌骨髌腱结合区和股四髌腱止点结合区进行扫描建模,分析其应力变化特点,探讨不同运动形式对髌腱退行性变的潜在影响,为损伤预防以及动物模型建立提供理论依据。方法:以成年健康雌性新西兰大白兔左侧膝关节的髌骨和两端肌腱为实验对象,取材处理后经Micro-CT扫描,Mimics、Geomagic Studio、SolidWorks等软件建模,应用Ansys Workbench进行有限元分析。分析不同加载条件下(载荷大小和方向改变,不同动作模式)目标区域的等效位移、应力、应变情况。结果与结论:①载荷方向改变影响趋势和数值变化,载荷大小改变影响数值变化;②与其他区域相比,髌腱腱止点处应力集中较明显,应变值最低;③在髌腱腱止点处,外翻比内翻、内旋比外旋产生更大的应力集中;④提示膝关节屈伸运动中所产生的应力集中和应力屏蔽效应是导致髌腱腱止点损伤的主要原因;内旋和外翻状态的应力同时是导致损伤的潜在因素,有待进一步研究;以跳跃、跑动状态建立动物模型更加符合运动损伤特点。

爆炸冲击载荷下猪肺部的损伤特性

为了深入研究爆炸冲击波作用下生物体肺部的力学响应和损伤特性,首先建立了猪胸部有限元模型,借助新研制的PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride)柔性冲击波压力传感器测试了激波管试验中动物的体表压力,验证了有限元模型的准确性。然后,使用已验证的模型开展了不同比例距离下猪肺部损伤特性研究,分析了在不同强度冲击波作用下肺部的损伤程度和损伤区域,并建立了胸肺部表皮压力峰值与肺损伤的关系。最后,通过开展爆炸试验,获得了不同比例距离下猪的肺部损伤情况和胸部表皮压力曲线,验证了所建立的胸肺部表皮压力峰值与肺损伤关系的正确性。

混凝土护栏坡面参数对防护车辆撞击作用的影响

为研究混凝土护栏坡面参数对其防护车辆撞击作用的影响,建立车辆与护栏仿真模型,并利用实车试验数据验证模型有效性,采用经过验证的仿真模型,分别对不同坡度单坡面混凝土护栏、不同坡面参数组合改进型混凝土护栏以及加强型混凝土护栏阻爬坎功能进行碰撞分析,结果表明:坡度是影响单坡面护栏防护性能的关键参数,坡度偏小或者偏大均不能为车辆提供有效保护,在标准值80°参数条件下护栏综合防护性能相对较优;改进型护栏的斜面倾斜角度(α与β)、竖直方向高度(a、b及c)以及倾斜面宽度s是影响其防护性能的关键参数,在标准改进型坡面参数条件下,即α=84°、β=55°、s=12.5 cm、b=18 cm及c=7.5 cm时,护栏的综合防护性能相对较优;阻爬坎对于改进型护栏防护性能的提升作用不大,但与新泽西护栏组合后,护栏对于防车辆侧翻效果明显。

Formative mechanism of intracanal fracture fragments in thoracolumbar burst fractures： a finite element study

Background Thoracolumbar burst fracture is a common clinical injury, and the fracture mechanism is still controversial. The aim of this research was to study the formation of intracanal fracture fragments in thoracolumbar burst fractures and to provide information for the prevention of thoracolumbar bursts fractures and reduction of damage to the nervous system. Methods A nonlinear three-dimensional finite element model of T11-L3 segments was established, and the injury processes of thoracolumbar bursts were simulated. The intact finite element model and the finite element model after the superior articular were impacted by 100 J of energy in different directions. The distribution and variation of stress in the superior posterior region of the L1 vertebral body were analyzed. Abaqus 6.9 explicit dynamic solver was used as finite element software in calculations. Results A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of the thoracolumbar spine was created. In the intact model, stress was concentrated in the superior posterior region of the L1 vertebral body. The stress peak was a maximum for the extension impact load and a minimum for the flexion impact load. The stress peak and contact force in the facet joint had close correlation with time. The stress peak disappeared after excision of the superior articular process. Conclusions The three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model was suitable for dynamic analysis. The contact force in the facet joint, which can be transferred to the superior posterior vertebral body, may explain the spinal canal fragment in thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Lower extremity injuries in vehicle-pedestrian collisions using a legform impactor model

Though the bumper of a vehicle plays a major role in protecting the vehicle body against damage in low speed impacts, many bumpers, particularly in large vehicles, are too stiff for pedestrian protection. In designing a bumper for an automobile, pedestrian protection is as important as bumper energy absorption in low speed collisions. To prevent lower extremity injuries in car-pedestrian collisions, it is important to determine the loadings that car front structures impart on the lower extremities and the mechanisms by which injury is caused by these loadings. The present work was focused on gaining more insight into the injury mechanisms leading to both ligament damage and bone fracture during bumper-pedestrian collisions. The European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee （EEVC） legform impactor model was introduced and validated against EEVCAVG17 criteria. The collision mechanism between a bumper and this legform impactor was investigated numerically using LS-DYNA software. To identify the effect of the bumper beam material on leg injuries, four analyses were performed on bumpers that had the same assembly but were made from different materials.

弹体冲击载荷下头部损伤与防护研究进展

战场环境下士兵受到弹体(子弹、爆炸破片等)冲击的威胁,佩戴头盔不仅能防止头部产生贯穿伤,还能有效减轻头部损伤。文章聚焦弹体冲击载荷下头部损伤与防护热点问题,综述国内外科研团队在头部损伤方面采用的研究方法、弹体冲击载荷下的头部非贯穿伤机制和头部损伤评价标准。从定性评价到定量评价等方面总结了现有评价标准现状,评述了各类研究方法、损伤机制、评价标准的适用性与优缺点,并重点讨论了头盔防护性能等关键问题。最后,展望了未来战场环境下弹体冲击致头部损伤与防护方面存在的问题和发展趋势,综述内容可为战场士兵损伤评价及头盔防护研究提供理论依据。

研究汽车碰撞中头颈部动态响应的有限元模型的建立和验证

建立并验证了一个基于人体解剖学结构的头颈部三维有限元模型.该模型由颅骨、脑、颈椎骨、椎间盘、肌肉、韧带和小关节组成,总节点数为17758,单元她21803,模型生物材料特性分别用弹性和粘弹性模型描述.整个头颈部模型应用美国海军生物力学实验室前碰撞志愿者实验及查尔摩斯大学后碰撞滑车实验的数据进行了验证.采用该模型计算了头颈部的加速度、角速度等运动曲线及HIC值.验证结果显示该模型具有较好的生物逼真度,可用于研究在汽车碰撞事故中头颈部损伤生物力学问题和开发损伤防护装置.

新型机械弹性车轮的建模与通过性研究

为了提高轮胎的防刺破、防爆胎和安全防弹性能,提出一种用于某型轮式特种车辆的新型机械弹性车轮。通过分析车轮的系统构成,建立了弹性力学模型与有限元模型,并分别进行求解计算,计算结果显示两种模型的变形吻合,表明有限元模型能很好地反映车轮的变形情况。利用该有限元模型计算得出车轮的滚动半径,之后进行了通过性分析,详细阐述了挂钩牵引力各个分力的影响因素,为以后车轮的设计改进提供了理论支持。与普通充气轮胎的对比表明,机械弹性车轮更具通过性方面的优势。

地铁列车运行引起的振动对精密仪器影响的预测研究

采用一种动力有限元数值模型,并结合道路交通现场振动测试,对北京地铁8号线列车运行对邻近地铁线路的某科研楼内精密仪器的振动影响进行了预测研究,并比较了普通无砟轨道和浮置板轨道两种工况下楼内外的振动响应。提出了该有限元模型的网格划分、边界条件、阻尼施加等建模原则,采用实测的钢轨振动加速度计算而来的动态轮轨力作为该模型上的激励力。结果表明:采用该动力有限元模型可以有效地预测地铁列车运行引起的振动;浮置板轨道是一种有效的减振措施,在其工作频段内有显著的减振效果,但对低频振动没有减振效果,而且在其自振频率处还有一定的放大作用;地铁8号线开通后,地铁列车振动再叠加上道路交通引起的振动会对科研楼内部分精密仪器的正常工作造成一定的影响,仪器基座处可采取相应的隔振措施来减小振动。

汽车-行人碰撞中人体下肢骨折的有限元分析

改进了人体下肢有限元模型,这个模型包括骨盆、股骨、髌骨、胫骨、腓骨、足骨,以及主要的肌腱、膝关节囊、半月板和韧带。整个模型采用实体单元,壳单元和线性弹簧阻尼单元模拟骨骼和软组织。比较实验与仿真中下肢的动力学响应参数与损伤分布,仿真模型的动力学响应参数与损伤分布与实验吻合较好。应用多体动力学系统(MBS)与已验证的下肢模型对真实的汽车与行人碰撞事故进行多刚体系统及损伤重建,结果表明:本文提出的人体下肢模型具有较好的生物逼真度和生物力学响应,可应用于人体下肢损伤机理及开发损伤防护设施的研究。

汽车交通事故中头部损伤评估模型的构建与验证

为预测与评判汽车碰撞事故中头部骨折和旋转加速度引起的脑损伤,对一位中国成年50百分位男性志愿者进行CT扫描,建立了具有中国人体特征的头部几何模型和有限元模型并进行验证。对模型仿真结果的运动学和动力学响应与本文和Nahum与Trosseille等前人的实验结果所进行的比较表明,颅内压力分布均表现出冲击-对冲的压力梯度分布模式,且压力峰值吻合较好,说明模型具有较高的生物逼真度。

儿童头部有限元模型的构建及验证

目的通过构建3岁儿童头部有限元模型,研究儿童在交通事故以及跌落冲击过程中的颅脑响应。方法基于3岁儿童的头部CT扫描数据,采用计算机图像处理、逆向工程及有限元网格划分技术构建具有详细解剖学结构的儿童头部有限元模型,利用该模型重构儿童尸体实验,并与尸体实验数据进行对比。结果头部静态压缩仿真中的3岁儿童头部接触力随压缩位移的增加而增大,头部接触力-位移曲线同尸体实验呈现出同样的变化趋势。在头部跌落仿真中,跌落高度为30 cm、碰撞位置为前额、左顶骨、枕部、右顶骨以及顶部时的冲击加速度峰值分别为72.7、61.3、72.7、60.4和68.1 g,其加速度随时间的变化曲线同尸体实验相一致。结论所构建的3岁儿童头部有限元模型有效且具有较高的生物仿真度,后续研究可利用该模型分析碰撞条件下儿童颅脑组织的应力应变情况,为临床上通过脑CT影像无法确诊的脑震荡等脑损伤的伤情判断提供参考。