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Finite Element Model of the Human Lower Extremity Skeleton System in a Lateral Impact
Technical Paper
1996-13-0027
Published September 11, 1996 by International Research Council on Biokinetics of Impact in Switzerland
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
This paper presents a finite element model of the human lower
extremity skeleton system to facilitate the investigation of
dynamic responses of the lower extremity to lateral impact loading.
The model consists of the femur, the tibia, and the knee ligaments.
The geometry and mass distribution of the model were chosen to
represent a 50th percentile male lower extremity skeletal structure
based on anatomical measurements and available data. The model was
constructed using solid hexahedron elements, shell elements and
nonlinear spring-damper elements. Linear viscoelastic material was
used to describe the mechanical property of the long bones.
Boundary conditions were defined in accordance with the
configuration of a car-pedestrian lateral collision.
The model was implemented by means of the finite element program
DYNA3D. The tibia segment of the model was validated against the
published three-point bending test with human leg specimens. The
whole model was validated against previously performed tests with
lower extremity specimens at impact speeds of 30 and 17 km/h. A
stress analysis was performed in terms of the injury mechanism of
the lower extremity to a lateral impact loading. The calculated
peak tensile stress in the model at impact speed 30 km/h is 160 MPa
which corresponds to the stress level of failure of the tibia. At
impact speed 17 km/h the peak tensile stress is 102 MPa that is
lower than the ultimate tensile stress of the tibia.
The model facilitates the calculation of detailed physical
quantities such as stress distribution within simulated structures,
and contributes to a better understanding of injury mechanisms at
the level of stress analysis.